Embattled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema has been summarily suspended from the ANC following his remarks made at Wits University on Friday evening that President Jacob Zuma was a dictator.
This suspension does not form a part of the disciplinary process against Malema that resulted in his expulsion, a sentence he is currently appealing.
The Mail & Guardian understands that the party's national disciplinary committee (NDC) met late on Tuesday where it decided to impose the suspension on Malema, effective immediately.
It is understood that the NDC delivered a letter to Malema informing him of the suspension on Wednesday morning.
This means that Malema is forbidden from attending any ANC meetings, including those of the national executive committee and national working committee, of which he is a member.
He is also now prohibited from attending meetings of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee, to which he was elected in December.
In the letter, the NDC told Malema that his suspension did not affect or negate the appeal process against his expulsion.
Malema's appeal hearing is expected to start on April 12.
