Winnie Madikizela-Mandela finished testifying in ANC youth league leader Julius Malema's disciplinary hearing on Wednesday afternoon.
The ANC stalwart was the final witness to testify in Malema's favour, said ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member and disciplinary committee chairman Derek Hanekom.
“This brings us to the end of the proceedings in terms of the giving of evidence,” he said.
“Closing arguments will be heard on November 3, followed by the drafting of the disciplinary committee's ruling on all cases.”
Hanekom said the committee had already started drafting a ruling on three of the cases.
“We will have final deliberations as the NEC, make final findings, and decide on penalties if any. The ruling will be announced not too long after the closing arguments,” he said.
“We have to deliberate properly and write up the ruling.”
Malema's disciplinary hearing took place at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Madikizela-Mandela's role was to clarify the position of the youth dating back to the 1950s.
ANC NEC member Tony Yengeni did not testify in favour of Malema, as has been speculated.
Human Settlements Minister and ANC NEC member Tokyo Sexwale reportedly testified in Malema's defence at the last hearing on October 15.
The hearing was postponed from October 6 to 15 after Malema was hospitalised with “flu symptoms” in Polokwane earlier this month.
Former youth league leaders Fikile Mbalula and Rapu Molekane have also reportedly testified on Malema's behalf.
He faces charges of bringing the ANC into disrepute and sowing division within party ranks.
Malema recently said the ANCYL would send a team to Botswana to consolidate local opposition parties and help bring about regime change.
Charged with him are ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer general Pule Mabe, secretary general Sindiso Magaqa, and deputy secretary general Kenetswe Mosenogi.
ANC spokesman Keith Khoza said ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe had previously testified against Malema.
Mantashe was reportedly joined by ANC chairwoman Baleka Mbete and ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu. -
Sapa