'I don't need a bribe': Malema

ANCYL leader Julius Malema has never been bribed and can account for every cent in his bank account, he said on Sunday.

"I have never taken a bribe. From where I am sitting I am comfortable and I don't need a bribe," he told reporters after the youth league's national executive committee meeting in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.

"People who claim it was a bribe must come forward... There was nothing I was hiding from the trust.

"I live within my means. I can explain every cent that comes into my account. The life I live, I can afford it."

Malema was responding to questions about his lavish lifestyle and reports that business people, government officials and others were depositing money into the Ratanang Family Trust, named after his son, in exchange for his providing them with government contracts.

Asked if he had personally benefited from the trust, he said: "That is none of your business".

The league said last week the trust was being used to support various charities.