Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale on Wednesday described ANC Youth League President Julius Malema as an example for the nation.

He was speaking at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane where Malema is celebrating his 29th birthday.

Mathale said they would continue to support Malema as long as he was a part of the ANC.

He described him as a respectful young man who set the pace for all South Africans.

The premier was one of several speakers to hail him as "the future leader of this country".

The hundreds of elderly people at the event shouted when Mathale said Malema had proven himself over the years.

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