Demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of South Africa's ruling party Wednesday in support of Julius Malema, the controversial head of the party's youth league.

The African National Congress is holding a second day of disciplinary hearings for Malema, who is accused of sowing division and tarnishing the party's reputation with a series of inflammatory statements.

Riot police stood guard outside ANC headquarters in Johannesburg in an effort to prevent a repeat of Tuesday's violence during the first day of hearings. A policeman and five journalists were injured when thousands of Malema supporters clashed with police.

Malema faces possible expulsion from the ANC, after saying in July that the youth league would form a team to help overthrow Botswana's government. He also called Botswana a security threat to Africa.

Malema has also angered many businessmen and ANC members by calling for the nationalization of South Africa's mines and farms.

The hearings are seen by some as a crucial test of power for South Africa's President Jacob Zuma, whose rise to power in 2007 was largely aided by the ANC youth league.

On Wednesday, an ANC spokesperson said the hearings will continue at party headquarters, but may be moved to an undisclosed venue if violent protests continue.

Police used stun grenades and water cannons Tuesday to break up the protesters, who were seen burning ANC flags and pictures of President Zuma.