The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) officially launched its 2026 local government election manifesto on Saturday, 15 July, outlining an ambitious plan to improve service delivery, combat corruption and drive economic development in municipalities across South Africa.
Speaking at the party’s 13th anniversary celebration and manifesto launch at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo, EFF leader Julius Malema also announced the party’s mayoral candidates for 10 strategic municipalities, introducing a mix of senior party leaders, Members of Parliament and public figures who will lead the party’s campaigns in key metros and municipalities ahead of the local government elections.
The candidates include:
• Johannesburg: UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
• Cape Town: EFF National Chairperson Nontando Nolutshungu
• eThekwini: EFF inaugural Deputy Secretary-General Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi
• Mangaung: EFF Chief Whip in the National Assembly Sam Matiase
• Nelson Mandela Bay: EFF national spokesperson and National Assembly member Sinawo Thambo
• Buffalo City: National Assembly member Mkhululi Dlevu
• Polokwane: EFF Limpopo Provincial Chairperson Lawrence Mapoulo
• Mbombela: Former EFF Secretary-General Godrich Gardee
• Rustenburg: EFF North West Provincial Chairperson Israel Monaise
• Sol Plaatje: EFF Northern Cape Provincial Chairperson Lerato Tito
Launching the manifesto, Malema said many municipalities are struggling with corruption, poor service delivery and failing infrastructure. He said local government should focus on creating jobs, growing the economy and delivering reliable services to communities.
“The EFF manifesto is not just a catalogue of promises. It is a commitment to rebuilding our municipalities as developmental institutions that create jobs, restore technical capacity, support local industries and use public resources to drive economic growth rather than patronage,” said Malema.
In its manifesto, the EFF committed to improving access to water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal, while prioritising infrastructure maintenance, affordable housing, job creation through municipal projects, support for township economies and stronger action against corruption.
The party also pledged to strengthen municipal policing, improve public safety and promote greater transparency and community participation in local government.
The launch marks the EFF’s formal entry into the local government election campaign as it seeks to expand its influence in municipalities across the country, with a particular focus on strategic metros where coalition governments are expected to remain a key feature of local politics.
