20111006
Reuters
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African political firebrand Julius Malema was admitted to hospital on Wednesday and is not expected to attend a ruling ANC disciplinary hearing that resumes this week, his ANC Youth League said in a statement.


Malema was in hospital in his native Limpopo province and no further information was provided on his condition.

Youth League officials have told local media Malema is suffering from flu-like symptoms.

Malema, who has no direct policy-making power but is one of the ANC's most popular politicians, has won admiration among millions of poor South Africans and alarmed investors with his calls to nationalise mines and seize white-owned farmland.

The African National Congress began a disciplinary hearing in August against Malema, who has been charged with sowing dissension in its ranks. There have been several sessions since then, with proceedings expected to take several weeks to conclude.

The next hearing was planned for Thursday.

Malema, 30, seen as a potential future ANC leader, faces suspension or expulsion from the party if found guilty.