The ANC suspended Malema this morning for calling President Jacob Zuma a “dictator” while addressing students at Wits University on Friday.
Malema also said during Zuma’s presidency the ANC had become intolerant of ideas.
ANC national disciplinary committee chairperson Derek Hanekom said the committee met last night and took the decision, which is implemented with “immediate effect”.
He said Malema was informed of the suspension and disciplinary proceedings will follow.
It effectively means Malema can no longer attend ANC national executive committee meetings, the national working committee, he can’t preside over the ANC Youth League, and can no longer serve as a member of the party’s Limpopo executive.
Hanekom said Malema was not allowed to make any public statement on any issue pertaining to the ANC.
“After due consideration, the NDC was satisfied that this utterance (that Zuma is a dictator) constitutes a very serious violation of the ANC constitution and that the institution of disciplinary action, as provided for in Rule 25.3, and temporary suspension of comrade Malema, in terms of Rule 25.12(c), of the ANC constitution is warranted,” Hanekom said.
The suspension also follows calls by the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) yesterday for Malema’s immediate expulsion.
Malema is due to appear before the party’s national disciplinary committee of appeals on Thursday to appeal his expulsion from the party.
ANC Women’s League secretary-general Sisisi Tolashe said the league welcomed the decision of the NDC.