African National Congress (ANC) Youth League president Julius Malema's disciplinary hearing was postponed on Thursday until October 15, the ruling party said.

"The disciplinary hearing of Julius Malema was postponed due to the hospitalisation of the charged member," said ANC national disciplinary committee member Derek Hanekom.

"The NDC wishes Cde Malema a speedy recovery."

Malema's lawyers asked for the postponement of the disciplinary hearing on Thursday morning.

Malema, who was hauled before the ruling party's disciplinary committee last month, was admitted to a private hospital in Polokwane on Wednesday suffering from "flu symptoms".

Malema was already sick when he made a speech at the University of Limpopo on Tuesday. He told the audience he was not well and that he had cancelled a radio interview because he was sick.

The Beeld newspaper quoted an unnamed source as saying that he had chest X-rays taken at hospital.

Malema faces charges of bringing the ANC into disrepute and sowing division within party ranks. He recently said the ANCYL would send a team to Botswana to consolidate local opposition parties and help bring about regime change.

Charged with him are ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer general Pule Mabe, secretary general Sindiso Magaqa and deputy secretary general Kenetswe Mosenogi.