The ANC in the Free State is instituting disciplinary action against former premier Winkie Direko for allegedly funding court action against her own party in a fight for municipal positions.

The ANC in the Free State is instituting disciplinary action against former premier Winkie Direko for allegedly funding court action against her own party in a fight for municipal positions.

She is accused of funding four unemployed ANC members from Bothaville, in the Nala municipality, who wanted their names on the ANC candidates' list just before the municipal polls last year, The Star reported yesterday.

Direko admitted funding the group "out of compassion" to save their houses from being attached for failing to pay legal costs after losing the case.

She is accused of having paid R20000 in legal fees. The four plaintiffs were expelled from the party.

The ANC provincial executive committee has decided to charge Direko - now a member of parliament - with subjecting the party to disrepute and exposing it to "reactionary elements". Direko declined to comment - Sapa