Court upholds top ANC official Magashule's suspension

South Africa’s high court has dismissed an attempt by the secretary general of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to have to have his suspension set aside.

Ace Magashule also lost his bid for the court to allow his suspension of the ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa - South Africa's current leader.

Mr Magashule was suspended from the party in May over corruption allegations, which he denies.

He said he would appeal the "unconstitutional suspension" and would stay in the job while his appeal was ongoing. He then wrote a letter asking President Ramaphosa to step aside, but the ANC called on him to "respect" the party decision.

The secretary general’s suspension was the result of the instruction requiring ANC members charged to vacate their posts within 30 days.

On Friday, the court found his suspension lawful and valid, saying the party was entitled to regulate itself and its members and officials.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Reuters