Malema calls for progressive alliance as EFF confronts electoral losses

EFF leader Julius Malema addressed the party's declining electoral support following the 2026 local government elections during a media briefing at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Saturday. According to the Mail and Guardian, Malema urged progressive parties to unite and pledged to direct party resources toward delivering basic services in wards won by the EFF.

Responding to calls for him to step down, Malema told IOL that those suggesting he should leave the party are attempting to destroy and undermine it. He stated that the EFF remains a "well-oiled machine" and that those calling for his removal do not love the party. Malema also attributed the sharp decline in the party's support to an international smear campaign.

Brief written by urgent.news from Mail and Guardian, IOL — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.