ActionSA Suspends Tshwane Ward Candidate Malesela Teffo After Arrest
ActionSA has placed Tshwane ward candidate Malesela Teffo on precautionary suspension with immediate effect following his arrest on a contempt-of-court matter.
ActionSA Gauteng provincial chairperson Funzi Ngobeni announced the suspension today, Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Teffo’s arrest on 15 September came while an internal disciplinary process against him was already underway.
The disciplinary process followed his appearance at the Johannesburg High Court earlier this month wearing ActionSA regalia. ActionSA’s Tshwane structures subsequently asked him to account for his conduct, after which the matter was referred to the party’s Provincial Ethics and Disciplinary Officer (PEDO).
According to Ngobeni, PEDO found a prima facie basis for the disciplinary process to continue. The Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) later considered Teffo’s arrest and, after receiving advice from PEDO, decided to place him on precautionary suspension.
ActionSA stressed that the suspension does not amount to a finding of guilt.
Teffo will have an opportunity to respond to the matters before PEDO, while the party’s disciplinary process continues.
While suspended, Teffo may not participate in ActionSA campaigns or party activities, represent or speak on behalf of the party, or present himself as acting for ActionSA.
Teffo was arrested at the Legal Practice Council’s Gauteng offices on Tuesday after reportedly seeking a certificate of good standing. His arrest is linked to a contempt-of-court matter arising from his continued status after being struck off the roll of legal practitioners.
Teffo remains listed as an ActionSA ward candidate in Tshwane for the 4 November 2026 local government elections.
ActionSA said PEDO had been instructed to deal with the matter urgently and report back to the PEC.
Ngobeni said the party would provide further updates once the disciplinary process reaches the appropriate stage.
