The Congress of the People (Cope) on Thursday called on the ANC to send its controversial youth league president Julius Malema to therapy.

Spokesperson Siyanda Mhlongo said: "While we commend (the) ANC for temporarily taming Julius Malema, it has been too late. He should have been tamed right at the beginning... "

Earlier, the African National Congress condemned statements by Malema about Education Minister Naledi Pandor. A written apology from Malema followed.

In recent weeks, the youth leader also came under fire for several comments targeted at Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

"We request the ANC to send Malema for therapy and urgently re-mould his manners," said Mhlongo, describing him as rude.

"The cornerstone of Ubuntu is first to respect the elders. The ball is in Jacob Zuma's court to tame Malema... "

Cope also urged other youngsters not to follow in Malema's footsteps.

"Let us respect our elders, irrespective of which party they lead," he said.