African National Congress (ANC) Youth League (YL) president Julius Malema should prepare himself for suspension from the ruling party, newspapers reported on Thursday.

The Star newspaper reported that "party insiders" had said the ANC national disciplinary committee would find Malema guilty of bringing the ruling party into disrepute.

According to the newspaper's sources, disciplinary committee chairperson Derek Hanekom would recommend that he be suspended for a year.

The ANC will make a public announcement about its finding on Malema at 10 am. He will not be there because he is writing exams in Limpopo.

Business Day also reported that Malema could expect a one-year suspension from the ANC.

It cited "numerous ANC sources" as saying Malema would be found guilty and suspended.

If Malema was found guilty, he could appeal to the ANC's national appeals committee, chaired by businessperson Cyril Ramaphosa.

Business Day reported that this would be Malema's last avenue, as the ANC's constitution stated that a member was allowed only one chance to appeal.

According to The Sowetan newspaper, the prosecuting team was understood to have advised the disciplinary committee that Malema be found guilty and suspended on the charge relating to his statement on Botswana.

Earlier this year, Malema said the ANCYL would send a team to Botswana to consolidate local opposition parties and help bring about regime change there.

His remarks were widely believed to have caused serious diplomatic embarrassment for the ANC.

Malema subsequently apologised for the remarks, but charges were still brought against him.

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

Business Day reported that it had been told that Malema's co-accused would get warnings.

Malema received a warning from the ANC's disciplinary committee last year after he publicly criticised President Jacob Zuma.

At the time, the national disciplinary committee said Malema's membership of the ANC would be suspended if he was found guilty of provoking serious divisions or a break-down of unity in the organisation within the next two years.