Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has urged voters to punish both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the upcoming local government elections, accusing the two parties of jointly presiding over failing municipalities and poor service delivery.
Malema was speaking to the media on Wednesday at the EFF’s Johannesburg headquarters, where he outlined key resolutions adopted at the party’s second plenum held over the weekend.
Midrand Water Crisis Cited as Evidence of Failure
According to Malema, ongoing water shortages in Midrand highlight what he described as the collapse of municipalities governed through ANC-DA arrangements. He said residents should hold both parties accountable at the ballot box.
“We say to the people of Midrand that the people who are governing there are the ANC and the DA, and they must both collectively be punished in the next local government elections,” Malema said.
He contrasted this with the EFF’s policy promises, claiming the party would prioritise basic services if elected.
“Under the EFF, government will provide water everywhere, especially in areas like Midrand,” he added.
EFF to Contest Elections With Aim of Governing
Malema said the EFF will contest the upcoming local government elections with the intention of governing municipalities outright, rather than acting as a junior coalition partner.
One of the key resolutions from the plenum, he said, was that the EFF would field its own mayoral candidates across the country, including in scenarios where post-election coalitions may be required.
“One of the most prevailing resolutions from the plenum is the decision to field an EFF mayoral candidate in the upcoming local government elections and in any post-election negotiation scenario that may arise,” Malema said.
He argued that the party now has sufficient experience and organisational capacity to run municipalities.
“This resolution is born out of the reality that the EFF now has the necessary experience and capacity to lead municipalities and rescue them from decline,” he said.
Concerns Raised Over IEC Credibility
The EFF also used the briefing to raise renewed concerns about the credibility of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of the local polls.
Malema said the party has lost confidence in the IEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, alleging political bias within the institution. He warned that continued reliance on the commission, without addressing these concerns, could undermine democratic processes.
The IEC has previously rejected claims of political interference, consistently maintaining that it operates independently and in accordance with the Constitution.
Political Tensions Ahead of Local Elections
The EFF’s remarks reflect an increasingly confrontational tone as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next round of local government elections. With service delivery, coalition governance and electoral credibility set to dominate the campaign, competition for control of municipalities is expected to intensify.
As parties sharpen their messaging, voters are likely to face clear and contrasting choices on governance models, accountability and the future of local government in South Africa.
