“The temporary and immediate suspension of comrade Malema will come into effect on Wednesday, 4 April 2012,” the African National Congress (ANC) said.

The controversial leader is currently appealing his five-year suspension after the ANC disciplinary committee last year found him guilty of provoking divisions with the party.

“He will not address any meeting of the ANC or any of its structures, including the Leagues, whether as an invited guest, in his capacity as president of the ANC Youth League and or as a member of the ANC,” said the statement.

His membership suspension comes a day after the top leaders of the ANC made a rare joint appearance to denounce “shockingly crude” statements by him, after he referred to President Jacob Zuma as a dictator.

Malema, 30, has indicated that he would legally challenge his expulsion from the ANC if his appeal fails.

Since being elected Youth League president in 2008, Malema has stirred deep feelings with racially charged rhetoric that has forced South Africa to confront its gaping economic divide that remains apartheid’s most enduring legacy.