JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa's ruling party's youth league has accused the media of being funded by pro-apartheid right wingers who control what is reported.

A local newspaper reported Sunday that youth league leader Julius Malema has an alleged "secret fund" into which local businessmen are reported to have paid large sums of money in return for help winning government contracts.

The African National Congress' Youth League officials on Monday denied any wrongdoing on Malema's part, and said the newspaper fabricated the story. They said the fund is used for charitable purposes, but did not elaborate on where the money comes from.

During a press conference, the ANC youth league leaders described the media as "faceless imperialist forces who suck the blood of the African people."

(Photo: 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa)