Former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema has criticised his successor, Ronald Lamola, calling him a "traitor" and "sellout", The Star newspaper reported on Wednesday.

"He is compromised. He is gone. He has sold out... [With] his sellout tendencies he will never the lead the youth league," Malema told the paper.

Malema criticised a statement by Lamola that the ANCYL would support the outcome of the ANC national elective conference in Mangaung regardless of whether their endorsed candidates won.

"Without being asked a question, he just said we will accept the results even if [Jacob] Zuma wins. Even among the forces of change, Lamola is not anybody to be listened to. He is a traitor, he is not going to carry that mandate to its logical conclusion," Malema said.

Malema said he was shocked to see Lamola at his court hearings and said he did not need "Lamola in my life".

"I do not need him. I was never made by Lamola. He does not know where I come from. I don't need Lamola in my life in the same way I have never needed Lamola in my political career."

Lamola declined to comment to the paper, saying he had to "consult with comrades" before offering a response to Malema's criticisms.