Cape Town - It appears that Tony Yengeni did not leave his position as ANC chief whip voluntarily - as he has professed - but that he was actually suspended on the recommendation of his party's political committee.

Rumours to this effect were confirmed on Tuesday.

Yengeni was released on bail in the Cape High Court last week on charges of corruption and perjury. The charges are related to his purchase of a luxury vehicle from a company that was awarded a contract in the controversial arms procurement package of R66 billion.

The political committee, an internal ANC national executive committee in parliament, recommended that the national working committee (NWC) suspends Yengeni from his post as chief whip, ANC spokesperson Nomfanelo Kota said on Tuesday.

The NWC on Monday night during a meeting at Luthuli house, which carried on until late, decided to allow Yengeni to remain on as a member of parliament pending the court’s decision.

The possibility that he may be suspended as a member of parliament was raised last week. Deputy Chief Whip Geoff Doidge was nominated as acting chief whip, Kota added.

A possible successor for Yengeni will only come under consideration if he is convicted.

The name of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, currently deputy chairperson of the ANC political committee and parliamentary intelligence committee chairperson, has come up as a possible replacement for Yengeni. She is married to Home Affairs Deputy Minister Charles Nqakula. 

With acknowledgment to Beeld and News24.