This after news broke that the ANC had elected to axe the controversial leader over plans to lay criminal charges against the party’s top 6 for the continued non-payment of salaries. 

Niehaus labelled himself a whistleblower on behalf of aggrieved ANC staff but soon halted plans to lay charges of theft, corruption and fraud amid attempts at negotiations with party leadership. 

It’s understood the party hasn’t taken kindly to Niehaus, threatening to terminate his employment at Luthuli House.

He was given a 4pm deadline to defend himself.

“The threat to terminate my employment with the ANC without further notice, and without a disciplinary hearing, is illegal. The short notice of a mere two and a half hours to provide reasons why I should not be dismissed summarily is draconian, and most unreasonable. It is contrary to all the laws of natural justice,” Niehaus said on Thursday evening.

“I see there are now some reports saying I have in fact been fired from my job - no I haven’t. I have lodged my appeal against that intention. That appeal has now got to be heard.”

Niehaus denied colluding against party leadership, adding his interests lie in defending workers right. 

“I furthermore also do not deny that I issued a media statement this morning postponing the intended action of laying the said criminal charges. 

"This course of action the comrades who intended to lay the charges today, together with me, decided on, after I have had a discussion with comrade Vusi Mdala, of the ANC Staff Association, who have requested that we hold back for now with the action that we intended to take today. 

“I am acting in my personal capacity as an employee, and also together with other employees, who I cannot name as they will obviously be similarly victimised, and subjected to intimidation,” he added.

But he admitted his future at Luthuli House hangs in the balance.

“It’s up to the ANC management to respond to that. Obviously I will continue to engage with them.”

Niehaus was suspended earlier this year following a public falling out with the party. 

Party spokesperson Pule Mabe was not available for comment on Thursday.