EFF leader Julius Malema has accused the ANC of paving the way for the DA's 2026 local government support. He argues that the ANC's decision to enter a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA in 2024 helped legitimize the party in the eyes of voters. Malema made these comments at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand, rejecting claims that the DA had stolen votes.
Malema insists that voters made a conscious choice to support the DA after watching the ANC bring the party into government. He stated that there is no evidence of the DA stealing votes, saying "There is no DA that stole votes; our people voted for DA. To say DA stole votes, you are lying. The DA did not steal votes." This suggests that Malema believes voters have made an informed decision to support the DA.
According to Malema, the ANC's decision to share power with the DA sent a message to voters that made supporting the rival party more acceptable. He said voters are now questioning why they should not vote for the DA when the ANC is willing to sit alongside it in Cabinet and give it strategic positions. This has effectively legitimized the DA, strengthening its political standing.
Malema's remarks signal resistance to coalition arrangements involving the DA, particularly as negotiations over municipal governance gather momentum. He took a swipe at Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille, saying she has become increasingly boastful. Malema expressed satisfaction with Zille's deployment, suggesting that the ANC's strategy has played into the EFF's hands.
On coalition negotiations, Malema warned that the EFF will not bend to an ANC unwilling to compromise. He suggested that the party could withdraw from negotiations and allow Zille to take charge rather than accept an agreement on the ANC's terms. This indicates that the EFF is prepared to take a hard stance in negotiations.
The ANC's decision to govern with the DA has had significant consequences for parties that previously relied on its traditional support base. Malema blamed the ANC's political strategy for the consequences now facing these parties. The EFF's resistance to coalition arrangements involving the DA may have implications for the 2026 local government elections.
The 2026 local government elections are set to be a critical test for South Africa's major political parties. The ANC's decision to govern with the DA has created uncertainty and tension within the opposition. As negotiations over municipal governance continue, it remains to be seen how the EFF's stance on coalition arrangements will impact the outcome of the elections.
Key points
- The ANC's decision to govern with the DA has legitimized the party in the eyes of voters.
- Malema has expressed resistance to coalition arrangements involving the DA.
- The EFF is prepared to take a hard stance in negotiations and may withdraw from talks if the ANC is unwilling to compromise.
