Johannesburg - The Congress of the People (COPE) on Sunday suspended (with immediate effect) its national treasurer Hilda Ndude for alleged gross mismanagement, said party spokesperson Timothy Mahlangu.
The decision was taken at the party's first Congress National Committee (CNC) meeting of the year, said Mahlangu.
The suspension related to Ndude's “alleged gross mismanagement of party funds and betrayal of the trust bestowed on her as a party treasurer”.
The CNC had resolved to institute a forensic audit of party finances in all the provinces and would work with the police to institute criminal charges, said Mahlangu.
Ndude would remain suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.
The CNC committed itself to reversing the harm caused to the party's image by “the challenges in its formative years as well as to forging unity, especially at leadership level” with a view to hosting a national conference at the end of October.
As part of its preparation for this, the party had made a slew of appointments - all in acting positions - under the leadership of Mosiuoa Lekota as president.
Smuts Ngonyama was named deputy president and Lyndall Shope-Mafole was appointed acting general secretary, with Mogadi Raganya as her deputy.
Deirdre Carter replaced the suspended Ndude as national treasurer.
Leonard Ramatlakane was appointed head of policy, head of sectors was given to Juli Kilian. Luzelle Adams was appointed head of international affairs, with Mahlangu taking the post of head of communications. - Sapa