Julius Malema suspended for 5 years

The youth wing of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) leader Julius Malema gestures among militants on October 27, 2011 during a demonstration gathering some 2000 people in a square in downtown Johannesburg to demand jobs. Protesters were bused in

ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema will vacate his position after being found guilty of provoking divisions within the ruling party on Thursday.

Malema will be suspended for five years, after also being found guilty of bringing the ANC Youth League organisation into disrepute.

Malema made statements about Botswana that were 'reckless', according to the party's national disciplinary committee chairperson Derek Hanekom.

Malema later apologised for his remarks.

He was not found guilty of a third charge of inciting racial hatred in the country.

Malema also interrupted a meeting of national ruling party officials with President Jacob Zuma in attendance on Thursday.