African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema is living way beyond his means ... the question is how can he afford it - or who is paying for it.
With a luxurious Sandown Estate home in Johannesburg's northern suburbs and a C63 Mercedes-Benz, Malema would need to earn more than R50 000 a month to qualify for these expenses.
But highly placed sources within the ANC this week said that Malema earns a salary of just over R20 000 a month from the Youth League.
This would include his car allowance and medical aid, but not a loaned executive car from the organisation.
Malema found himself splashed all over newspapers this week after his lavish housewarming party last weekend got out of hand.
He allegedly attacked a police reservist neighbour who interrupted the party after 3am to complain about the excessive noise.
In turn, Malema accused people who spoke to the media about the incident of being Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille's spies.
The reservist said Malema's bodyguards threatened to take away his cellphone and wallet when he tried to call the police.
He was rescued by a guest at the party, who pulled him away from Malema and his bodyguards. The reservist then managed to lock himself inside his car while Malema and his crew banged on the car's roof and windows as he drove off.
Media reports this week suggested that Malema had been charged with assault after the early morning incident at his house.
But provincial police Senior Superintendent Eugene Opperman said investigations were still continuing. He would not confirm whether Malema or his bodyguards were facing charges.
Several residents, however, said Malema had been a troublesome neighbour ever since he moved in.
At his latest party, the upmarket bash had a live band and plenty of booze, a string of visitors with Harley-Davidson motorbikes and others with bling cars.
But the question is, how did Malema qualify to rent the house in the first place?
He lives in Silvela Road in Sandown Estates. Firzt Realty estate agent Beverly Feinblum said that a cluster home in or around that area could cost anything from R18 000 to R23 000 a month in rental.
A free-standing house in a complex would have three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, two reception areas, staff quarters, a pool and a double garage.
Malema drives a black C63 Mercedes-Benz AMG, which retails at R734 000.
It is rumoured that he also drives an Aston Martin and has a Range Rover.
He also has two bodyguards.
Malema is believed to employ Coin as a private security firm.
Security specialist Mike Bolhuis said bodyguards could cost anything from R500 a shift to R5 000 a day. A permanent bodyguard could cost anything between R30 000 and R60 000 a month.
"Bodyguards just make you feel important, like you have a standing. It's a vain move more than a necessary one. I know a couple of government employees who just have bodyguards because there is extra money floating around.
"The price does increase as the levels of risk increase and how well known the person is."
But ANC spokesperson Lindiwe Zulu said no one should compare what Malema did in his private life with the youth league. If someone wanted to know what Malema earned, it was best to ask him directly.
"I don't think people should walk around saying what other people earn."
Defending Malema's lavish bash, Zulu justified it with the area he was living in. "You have to look at where he lives... he doesn't live in a shack."
When The Independent on Saturday spoke to Malema, he was unrepentant.
"Write your story, I don't owe you or your bosses or your paper any comment, I owe you nothing."