SANDTON, Gauteng — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is intensifying its campaign machinery ahead of the November 4 Local Government Elections, with Deputy President Godrich Gardee confirming the party’s ambitious goal to take control of key municipalities across South Africa. Speaking at the party’s 6th Central Elections Task Force meeting in Sandton, Gardee outlined a robust strategy focused on voter mobilization and community engagement, signaling a strong push to expand the party’s local governance footprint.
The EFF’s election program is set to culminate in a massive rally on October 31 at the Orlando Arena in Soweto. Gardee highlighted the 43,000-capacity stadium at the heart of South Africa’s largest township as the venue where the party will officially close its campaign before heading to the polls.
Addressing the internal state of the organization, Gardee noted that the Secretary General would provide a comprehensive report on the readiness of the party across all provinces, citing daily coordination with regional conveners. The former Secretary General emphasized that the EFF’s operational machinery is now “well-oiled,” stable, and significantly stronger than in previous cycles, assuring supporters that the party is prepared for a massive electoral showing.
Gardee also addressed the party’s performance in the 2024 general elections, stating firmly that the chapter is closed. While acknowledging an electoral “tsunami” in KwaZulu-Natal during that cycle, he asserted that the EFF has successfully regrouped and is poised to lead municipalities in the province. When questioned about the loss of approximately 300,000 votes in KwaZulu-Natal, Gardee argued that these votes merely “went back to their owner.” He suggested that these voters had temporarily backed the EFF following the perceived mistreatment of former President Jacob Zuma by the ANC, but ultimately returned to Zuma’s new political vehicle. Despite this, Gardee maintained that the EFF is rebuilding its base in the province from scratch, pointing to heavily attended recent rallies as proof of renewed momentum and a commitment to quality service delivery.
Dismissing external opinion polls, the Deputy President stated that the only polling that matters is the one conducted by the communities, members, and ground forces on election day. “That is where you will see the real results when the EFF takes over every other municipality you can think of in South Africa, including Stellenbosch,” he declared.
The briefing also addressed reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) intends to challenge the EFF’s candidate registration strategy in court. The EFF has registered a single Proportional Representation (PR) candidate in over 250 municipalities nationwide. For example, in Mombella, Godrich Gardee is registered as the sole PR candidate and mayoral candidate.
Gardee dismissed the potential legal action as “cheap politicking” designed to manufacture media relevance for the DA. He clarified that utilizing the seven-day window after the proclamation of elections to adjust and replenish candidate lists is a standard, legally permissible practice under the Municipal Structures Act and the Electoral Act. He noted that various political parties have employed this method to register candidates they failed to submit before the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) deadline since local government elections began.
“If they have court papers, we are ready for them, but this is not a new phenomenon,” Gardee concluded, reiterating the party’s focus on united, strong, and policy-driven campaigning leading up to November 4.
