Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says his party is open to joining South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), but only if the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) withdraw.
Malema made the remarks during a door-to-door election campaign in Naledi, Soweto, as political parties intensified their campaigns ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
“We are not opposed to participating in GNU. If Helen walks tomorrow, and that other one of Correctional Services, the Freedom Front, walk, we’ll go inside,” Malema said, referring to DA federal chairperson Helen Zille and Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald, who serves as Minister of Correctional Services.
He said the EFF would not compromise its political principles to secure a place in government, arguing that the party would use political power to advance the interests of black South Africans.
Malema explains the EFF’s position
The EFF leader also criticised the prospect of governing alongside parties he associates with the historical oppression of black South Africans during apartheid.
Malema invoked the deaths of anti-apartheid activists Chris Hani and Solomon Mahlangu while explaining why his party opposed participating in a government that included the DA and FF Plus.
His remarks come amid tensions between the ANC and DA following disagreements over the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s opposition to the ANC’s attempt to reinstate 181 disqualified councillor candidates ahead of the local government elections.
The dispute prompted renewed debate about the relationship between the two parties, which are both part of the current GNU.
Despite outlining conditions under which the EFF could enter the governing arrangement, Malema maintained that his party’s immediate priority was winning the elections rather than negotiating coalition arrangements in advance.
He said the EFF would focus on service delivery if it won, adding that discussions with other parties would take place if the party failed to secure victory.
Malema’s comments indicate that the EFF’s potential participation in the GNU remains conditional on the withdrawal of the DA and FF Plus. He did not announce an agreement with the ANC to join the government.
