The Congress of the People has suspended party president Mosiuoa Lekota with immediate effect because of his "lack of strength".

The announcement was made by deputy president Willie Madisha who said Lekota had already been informed of the party's decision to place him on suspension as per Cope's resolutions.

Madisha said an urgent congress national committee (CNC) meeting was held on Sunday which resolved to suspend Lekota.

The CNC consists of leaders who were directly elected at the national congress and leaders of all provinces.

"[We] resolved on the suspension of Cope president Mr Mosiuoa Lekota from his duties as president of Cope due to the role he plays in dividing Cope.

"The frequent meetings he convenes to form parallel structures in Cope which are made to organise and compete against each other instead of building and uniting the party."

Madisha said given Lekota's "lack of energy and strength" the party's national leadership had advised Lekota to step back.

"Given his health conditions, he is not able to perform what the party and all South Africans expect him to do, which is to attend to the work of parliament," Madisha said.

Lekota has faced a number of allegations, particularly from Gauteng leaders who alleged he meddled with the councillor selection process.

When reached for comment, Lekota  declined to comment saying he needed to speak to other party members before commenting in the media.