EFF leader Julius Malema has described his party's performance in the 2026 local government elections as a "setback" but not a "defeat". He said this was something the party would have to take stock of, using lessons from the local government elections to prepare for the national and provincial polls in 2029. Malema made the comments amid a significant drop in EFF support, from 10.3% in the 2021 local polls to 6.2% in 2026.
Malema acknowledged that the EFF had faced a tough battle in the 2026 elections, saying "we knew from the outset that these elections would not be a walk in the park". He said the party had lost 612,326 votes nationally, as well as its ranking as the third-biggest party in the country, a position now occupied by the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party. Despite this, Malema remained resolute, saying the EFF was a "people's movement" that would not be deterred.
Malema used a military metaphor to describe the EFF's experience in the elections, saying "battle scars do not represent defeat — they represent survival and bravery of revolutionaries who had the courage to fight and were ready to die with their boots on". He said the party would take stock of its performance ward by ward, municipality by municipality, and province by province, reflecting on where it had improved, maintained its votes, or experienced setbacks.
The EFF leader said the results of the local polls would place obstacles in the path towards ensuring reliable service delivery and dignity for poor people. He emphasized that the party would use the lessons from these elections to prepare for the national and provincial elections in 2029. Malema said the EFF would not hide from the national picture and would not make excuses.
Malema's comments come as the EFF seeks to regroup and reassess its strategy after a disappointing performance in the 2026 local government elections. The party's drop in support has raised questions about its future prospects and its ability to challenge the dominant parties in South African politics.
Despite the setback, Malema said the EFF remained committed to its goals and would continue to push for service delivery and dignity for poor people. He said the party would take the necessary steps to correct its mistakes and improve its performance in future elections.
The EFF's performance in the 2026 local government elections has significant implications for the party's future and for South African politics more broadly. As the party looks to the 2029 national and provincial elections, it will need to regroup and reassess its strategy in order to regain momentum and challenge the dominant parties.
Key points
- EFF support dropped from 10.3% in 2021 to 6.2% in 2026.
- Malema says EFF's performance a "setback" but not a "defeat".
- Party lost 612,326 votes nationally and its ranking as third-biggest party.
Reporting sources
- # 4 ‘We’re down but not out,’ says Malema · TimesLIVE
