Malema hearing under way

ANC Youth League president Julius Malema's disciplinary hearing is under way at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg.

ANC spokesman Keith Khoza said Malema's defence was calling its final witnesses to testify on the youth leader's behalf.

There had been speculation that ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and ANC national executive committee member Tony Yengeni would testify in favour of Malema, but Khoza could not confirm whether they were attending the hearing.

"We will only know who the defence is calling as they bring the people in to testify," he said.

Human Settlements Minister and ANC NEC member Tokyo Sexwale reportedly testified in Malema's defence at the last hearing on October 15.

The hearing was postponed from October 6 to October 15 after Malema was hospitalised with flu symptoms in Polokwane earlier this month.

Former youth league leaders Fikile Mbalula and Rapu Molekane have also reportedly testified on Malema's behalf.

He faces charges of bringing the ANC into disrepute and sowing division within party ranks. He recently said the ANC Youth League would send a team to Botswana to consolidate local opposition parties and help bring about regime change.

Charged with him are ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer-general Pule Mabe, secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa and deputy secretary-general Kenetswe Mosenogi.

Khoza said ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe had previously testified against Malema.

He was reportedly joined by ANC chair Baleka Mbete and ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu.

Closing arguments were scheduled for November 3.