ANCYL spokesman Shivambu axed

The ANC Youth League's "arrogant" spokesman, Floyd Shivambu, has to vacate his position, the party's national disciplinary committee said on Thursday.

Chairman Derek Hanekom said Shivambu was suspended and found guilty on several charges for swearing at a journalist and for accusing the ruling party of associating with imperialists.

The sanction was not suspended.

Hanekom described Shivambu as defiant, arrogant and ill-disciplined.

His membership of the ANCYL was suspended for three years and he had to vacate his position as spokesman.

Shivambu was guilty of prejudicing the reputation of the ANC for swearing at a journalist, said Hanekom.

Using vulgar language was a breach of the ANC's code of conduct, said Hanekom.

"A spokesperson is the face of an organisation."

His action was unacceptable, Hanekom told reporters at Luthuli House, in Johannesburg.

He was also found guilty of misconduct about a statement he made on Botswana.

Shivambu had said the ANC was "acting outside its own policy directives by associating with imperialists".

His misconduct had "severely prejudiced" the ANC.

He put the country at risk and his statement posed a threat to foreign investment.

"The NDC has noted the arrogance of the respondent," said Hanekom.