African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) president Julius Malema is expected in Zimbabwe on Friday, The Herald newspaper reported on Monday.

According to the Zimbabwean newspaper, the purpose of Malema's visit was "to show solidarity with the people and their fight for full economic independence".

ANC youth spokesperson Floyd Shizhambu and other members of leadership - Kenetswe Mesenogi and Palesa Notsi - would accompany Malema, The Herald said.

Malema was expected to address a number of rallies and meetings during his four-day visit.

Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere was quoted by The Herald as saying that Malema was "a vibrant young political leader with a passion for genuine development".

He said that the ANCYL leader was "clear on the new phase of economic revolution underway that is targeting the participation of young people in national development."

Kasukuwere added that the visit would strengthen relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa and enable the youth movements from the two countries to share experiences and map strategies.

"Comrade Malema is a strong advocate of indigenisation and this ties in well with Zimbabwe's efforts to empower its indigenous people," Kasukuwere said.

Zanu-PF Youth League deputy secretary for information Cecilia Chivhanga on Sunday was quoted as saying that Malema would have an opportunity to visit places of interest to the ANC such as "the areas where ANC cadres were killed during the struggle for South Africa's independence".

She said that Malema would meet senior Zanu-PF members in the indigenisation and administration departments to learn more about Zimbabwe's "revolutionary empowerment programmes".