Jacobs was accused of assaulting a colleague, researcher Wesley Seale, at the ANC’s offices in November last year.

On Thursday, Jacobs was given 48 hours to give reasons why he should not be suspended from the ANC.

A letter was sent to Jacobs from national officials, national spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa, said. “The national officials, who have a responsibility to oversee the constitution of the ANC, referred the matter to the national working committee.

“The national working committee has resolved to suspend him, but further in accordance with the constitution, the NWC has given him 48 hours to respond to allegations of assault made against him.”

Kodwa said Jacobs had received the letter on Wednesday.

This came only two days after the ANC’s national disciplinary committee of appeals (NDCA) had set aside his suspension, which it deemed unprocedural.

Jacobs was placed on precautionary suspension in December after he was accused of assaulting Seale.