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Malema calls EFF election result a setback, not a defeat

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EFF leader Julius Malema said the party lost 612,326 votes nationally in the 2026 local government elections. Its support fell from 10.3% in 2021 to 6.2%, and the MK Party took its place as the third-biggest party.

Malema spoke at a media briefing in Midrand on Saturday. He said the party would take stock ward by ward, municipality by municipality and province by province. He said the EFF would use this work to prepare for the 2029 national and provincial elections.

One outlet put the EFF vote at 1.8 million, down from 2.4 million in 2021. Malema said the party would face the national picture and offer no excuses. He also said the EFF remains a people's movement.

Malema said the results would place obstacles in the path towards reliable service delivery and dignity for poor people.

Key facts

Who
Julius Malema (EFF leader); Economic Freedom Fighters (political party); Jacob Zuma (MK Party leader (described as Jacob Zuma-led MK Party)); MK Party (political party, now third-biggest party nationally according to the article)
What
The Economic Freedom Fighters lost over 600 000 votes nationally in the 2026 local government elections, dropping from third to fourth place, according to party leader Julius Malema at a media briefing. The party says it will reflect on the losses to prepare for the 2029 elections.
When
7 November 2026
Where
Midrand, South Africa
Status
Reported

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