Agang suspends Ramphele

SA's national executive committee suspended party leader and founder Mamphela Ramphele at a meeting in Johannesburg yesterday.

Ramphele's supporters had tried to prevent the NEC gathering by applying to the Johannesburg High Court for an interdict, which was granted, rendering the meeting illegal.

However, the disgruntled members, who included top leadership, went to the same court later in the day and had the decision overturned, allowing them to hold the conference.

Agang SA deputy president Andries Tlouamme said last night the gathering was an NEC meeting and was legitimate.

"Our leader has been suspended for putting the party into disrepute. She appointed a task team unilaterally to investigate allegations of fraud.

"She also appointed parliamentary leaders without following due process. She will be served with a letter of her suspension [last night]," he said.

Agang SA has been marred by division since Ramphele made an aboutturn after accepting the DA offer to make her a leader in the party ahead of the May 7 elections.

In the general elections, Agang only secured two parliamentary seats, leading to Ramphele announcing she would be taking a break from politics.

Allegations of corruption then rocked the party when about R13-million disappeared from its coffers.

Agang SA spokesperson Philip Machanic said the disgruntled members wanted to see the party "fall apart". - Penwell Dlamini