Malema: EFF Down but Not Out After 2026 Local Government Elections

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party suffered a significant decline in support during the 2026 local government elections in South Africa. According to EFF leader Julius Malema, the party's support dropped from 10.3% in the 2021 local polls to 6.2% in 2026. This decline resulted in the EFF losing 612,326 votes nationally and its ranking as the third-biggest party in the country. The Jacob Zuma-led MK Party has taken over the EFF's previous position.

Malema described the EFF's performance in the 2026 local government elections as a "setback" but not a "defeat". He emphasized that the party would use the lessons learned from these elections to prepare for the national and provincial polls in 2029. Malema stated that the EFF would take stock of its performances ward by ward, municipality by municipality, and province by province to identify areas for improvement.

The EFF leader acknowledged that the party faced significant challenges in the 2026 elections, saying, "We knew from the outset that these elections would not be a walk in the park." He noted that the party's losses were a result of the difficulties they faced, but emphasized that "scars do not represent defeat — they represent survival and bravery of revolutionaries who had the courage to fight."

Despite the setback, Malema remained resolute, stating that the EFF remained a "people's movement". He emphasized that the party would use the outcome of the local polls to prepare for the upcoming national and provincial elections. Malema said the EFF would not hide from the national picture and would not make excuses for its performance.

Malema highlighted the importance of the EFF's continued efforts to ensure reliable service delivery and dignity for poor people. He noted that the results of the local polls would place obstacles in the path towards achieving this goal. However, he expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger and more determined.

The EFF leader outlined the party's plan to reflect on its performance and make necessary corrections. He stated that the party would reflect on where it improved, maintained its votes, and experienced setbacks. This process would help the EFF to better present itself and its message of service delivery to the people.

Malema concluded by emphasizing the EFF's commitment to its goals and its determination to continue fighting for the rights of the people. He said, "A setback is not a defeat — it is an opportunity that gives us a moment to reflect on how to better present ourselves and our message of service delivery to the people." The party will use this opportunity to regroup and prepare for future elections.

Key points

• EFF support dropped from 10.3% in 2021 to 6.2% in 2026.
• Malema says EFF's performance is a setback, not a defeat.
• EFF lost 612,326 votes nationally and its ranking as the third-biggest party.