THE ANC Youth League is defending its national executive committee member who was "unlawfully suspended by a dysfunctional branch" in Limpopo.

THE ANC Youth League is defending its national executive committee member who was "unlawfully suspended by a dysfunctional branch" in Limpopo.

Clifford Motsepe, who is also chairperson of the national disciplinary committee hearing in the case against former Limpopo ANCYL provincial chairperson Lehlogonolo Masoga, was "suspended" by the Ike Maphotho branch last week.

ANCYL spokesperson Magdalene Moonsamy said yesterday that the suspension was invalid and meant to discredit Motsepe.

"The Ike Maphotho branch that issued the suspension is a branch that is not in good standing in accordance with the constitution of the ANCYL.

"Comrade Motsepe, a national executive member and a national working committee member of the ANCYL, has not been suspended and remains a committed, dedicated and disciplined member in good standing," Moonsamy said

She said a branch task team had already been established and would hold an annual general meeting.

Sources in the league alleged that the "suspension" was created to enable Masoga to ask Motsepe to recuse himself as chairperson of the disciplinary hearing.

Masoga, who was defeated during the chaotic provincial conference in Nzhelele outside Thohoyandou, had been charged with, among other things, influencing members to abandon the conference against instructions of the NEC, and launching parallel structures.

He appeared before a DC and his case was postponed to next Thursday.