BLOEMFONTEIN, Free State — The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) is expanding its political footprint in Bloemfontein as the 2026 local government elections approach, with party leader Dr. Corné Mulder highlighting a significant shift in the party’s demographic support. Campaigning in the Free State capital, Mulder emphasized that the party is entering a new era of diverse membership while steadfastly maintaining its core policies.
The party is preparing for a major electoral push on November 4, fielding 135 councillor candidates across the Free State, including 15 in the Mangaung Metro. In a historic first for the region, the FF Plus will also field candidates in the Heidedal and Rocklands townships in Bloemfontein.
According to Dr. Corné Mulder, the party is experiencing a spontaneous surge in community involvement, with individuals from various sectors of society stepping forward to represent the party in different wards. Mulder noted that this changing membership indicates welcome growth, though it initially brought internal challenges.
He revealed that he had faced pressure to alter the party’s political direction as its demographics shifted. However, he firmly rejected the idea, arguing that individuals join a political party for its foundational beliefs and principles, rather than for specific individuals.
Parliamentarian Tami Brid echoed these sentiments, noting the fascinating demographic transformation within the party’s ranks. Brid pointed out that in the past, meetings in smaller towns would draw only a handful of attendees, typically consisting of older white males. Today, the party is seeing a much younger audience and a broader representation across the entire demographic spectrum.
On the ground, candidates are focusing heavily on service delivery and administrative integrity. A veteran councillor candidate, who has been in local council since 2006, stated that their primary goal is to restore clean governance and accountability. This includes responsible financial management, fair taxation, and transparent spending.
Meanwhile, candidates in the newly targeted townships are focusing on immediate, practical needs. A prospective councillor for Heidedal highlighted that residents are demanding basic services, such as unblocking drains and fixing water meters. The candidate noted that the community has already taken notice of the FF Plus’s willingness to assist with these exact issues, which inspired their decision to run as a candidate.
Similarly, the candidate for Rocklands expressed a strong desire to make a tangible difference in their community, citing the FF Plus’s broader national aspirations as the main motivation for joining the campaign.
As the November 4 local government elections draw near, the FF Plus’s strategic expansion into Bloemfontein’s townships signals a determined effort to translate its growing, diverse support base into tangible local governance.
