NO SERVICE to bless ANC Youth League president Julius Malema was conducted by the Methodist Church of SA, the church said yesterday

NO SERVICE to bless ANC Youth League president Julius Malema was conducted by the Methodist Church of SA, the church said yesterday

"The constitution of the MCSA is clearly non-partisan and requires clergy who seek political party office to resign," said spokesperson Bonginkosi Moyo-Bango.

She said there had been "untold confusion" because African Methodist Episcopal was assumed by some to be part of the MCSA.

The misplaced belief that Malema's blessing was associated with the MCSA had resulted in prejudice against some church members' businesses, Moyo-Bango said.

Last Sunday, Malema and ANCYL treasurer Pule Mabe received blessing from the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pimville.

This was before he appeared before the ANC disciplinary committee on Tuesday.

Malema and five co-accused (including Mabe) are facing an ANC disciplinary hearing on charges of bringing the ANC into disrepute and sowing divisions in ANC ranks.

This was after the ANCYL had said it would go to Botswana and assist the opposition in the country to depose President Ian Khama

Malema's hearing was adjourned on Wednesday after his lawyers argued that all the charges against him must be withdrawn.

The disciplinary committee is to decide today whether to proceed with the hearing.

Political analyst Elvis Masoga said the hearing' s outcome would have an impact on the political future of Malema and President Jacob Zuma.

Masoga said if Malema emerges victorious, the league would embark on a vigorous campaign and revolt against Zuma.