THE ANC Women's League in Limpopo has thrown its weight behind embattled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.

The decision was taken during the ANCWL provincial elective conference in Polokwane at theweekend.

"We have resolved to support Julius Malema through thick and thin.

"He is the son of the soil," said newly elected provincial chairperson Maite Marutha.

She said Malema, as a person born and bred in the province, needed the support of the women in Limpopo to realise his dream of advancing the aspirations of the young people of the country.

"We believe Malema is human," she said.

"Like any other young person, he is likely to commit mistakes and he should not be crucified for such."

Marutha was elected despite an incident on Friday in which she allegedly assaulted Makoma Makhurupetji, an ANCWL chairperson in the Mopani region.

The two allegedly exchanged blows over the credentials of certain branches and delegates before the conference.

But they finally apologised to each other after other delegates intervened.

Both Marutha and Makhurupetji yesterday declined to talk about the incident, saying it was water under the bridge.

Marutha, who enjoyed overwhelming support by virtue of being the league's provincial secretary, pipped Joy Matshoge to become the chairperson, a position vacated by long-time leader and current MPL Machuene Semenya.

The provincial MEC for safety, security and liaison Dikeledi Magadzi was elected deputy chairperson, while Maleke Mokganyetsi becomes secretary and Maria Manamela will be her deputy.

Gobrey Kgobe was elected treasurer of the league.

At the time of going to print yesterday, the delegates had formed commissions to come up with other resolutions to ensure continuity within the league.