The figure fell to 66% for those under 24, and jumped to 85% for people over 30. There was no difference in the sample between men and women. The only plus for Malema was among his own Pedi tribe from around Polekwane where 57% felt the sentence was too harsh.
A poll in September found that his overall support had dropped to just 17% from 21% last year. Malema is now under investigation by the South African tax authorities over multi-million rand holdings, including a fleet of luxury cars, several homes and a new dwelling under construction in Sandton with a budget of R16m.
This week the National Union of Mineworkers, South Africa's most powerful workers' group, condemned his affluent lifestyle at a time when youth unemployment in the country was estimated at more than 50 per cent.