Malema to face disciplinary hearing in Johannesburg
The fiery leader of the African National Congress’ youth wing faces a disciplinary hearing in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Julius Malema is charged with sowing divisions in South Africa’s ruling party and bringing it into disrepute.
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Malema has raised hackles with his flashy lifestyle and emotive, often racially charged, rhetoric.
He’s accused of plotting against President Jacob Zuma who he helped bring to power but has since turned against.
He was found guilty by the disciplinary committee last year of publicly criticising Zuma.
He could be suspended or even expelled from the party if he is found guilty a second time. Five other members of the youth wing's top leadership will appear with him in the hearing.
The charge of sowing divisions comes after media reports linking him to a movement to oust Zuma as party leader.
He is also charged with bringing the party into disrepute by advocating regime change in neighbouring Botswana.
Malema says the disciplinary hearing of the ANC is not the end of the road “if that future is expulsion so be it."
Malema remains immensely powerful within the ANC whose youth wing is one of the main components of the party's electoral college.
Hundreds of his supporters held an overnight vigil outside ANC headquarters in Johannesburg.
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