THEMBISA, Gauteng — Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president Julius Malema has intensified the party’s 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign, bringing his outreach directly to the community of Thembisa in Ekurhuleni. As political parties ramp up their grassroots efforts ahead of the November 4 polls, Malema outlined bold policy shifts aimed at capturing the mayoral seat in the metropolitan municipality, with additional campaign stops scheduled across Emfuleni and Tshwane.
During the rally, Malema pledged to dismantle alleged nepotism in municipal recruitment, asserting that current hiring practices unfairly favor ruling party affiliates. He promised that under an EFF-led government, the “children of Thembisa” would be hired through a transparent, open process. Furthermore, Malema announced a directive to exempt indigent households and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries from municipal rates, water, and electricity charges, instructing future municipal leadership to align billing systems with social grant databases.
Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, the EFF’s mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni, echoed the party’s commitment to tangible service delivery and highlighted four core priorities should they secure the mayoral seat. First, the party aims to expand the 2022 motion of insourcing to provide permanent jobs, pensions, and job security, extending beyond human resources to include municipal maintenance services for stable electricity, water, and tarred roads. Second, Tshivhenga pledged to reduce crime by enforcing proper shift systems and guaranteed overtime pay for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and local police, ensuring officers can work with diligence. Third, the party intends to end corruption through mandatory lifestyle audits for all city officials. Finally, Tshivhenga emphasized enhancing municipal revenue to fund consistent service delivery.
When questioned about the party’s past financial management and historical disputes with the Auditor-General, Tshivhenga defended the EFF’s record, noting that the party previously secured a clean audit while leading the city’s finances. Tshivhenga explained that disputing audit findings is a natural part of the administrative process, often resolved when missing documentation—such as financial journals locked away during staff leave—is eventually submitted and verified. Addressing the rise of new political factions like the MK Party, Tshivhenga dismissed them as a threat, citing the EFF’s deep local roots and undisputable track record in the region.
The EFF’s electoral footprint in Ekurhuleni has shown gradual growth, increasing from 11% in the 2016 municipal elections to 13% in 2021. This growth occurred during a period that also saw the ANC drop below the 50% majority threshold for the first time in 2016, followed by further regression in 2021. When asked about potential future coalitions or working with returning political figures, Tshivhenga stressed that any partnerships would be strictly pragmatic. The focus, Tshivhenga noted, is not personal, but entirely dependent on a shared agreement to deliver clean water, proper sanitation, and stable electricity to the community.
Supporters at the Thembisa rally expressed strong confidence in Malema’s vision. Local residents voiced their belief that the EFF uniquely prioritizes youth employment and economic opportunities, urging the community to give the party a chance to govern while holding them accountable to their promises.
The EFF’s campaign trail will culminate with its final national election rally, scheduled for next Saturday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
