{
  "id": 18710496,
  "title": "'Kill me first': Malema hits back at calls for him to step down",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/kill-me-first-malema-hits-back-at-calls-for-him-to-step-down",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T12:30:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/lge2026/2026-11-07-kill-me-first-malema-hits-back-at-calls-for-him-to-step-down/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "EFF leader Julius Malema staunchly defended the party against calls for his resignation following its performance in the 2026 local government elections. Speaking at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand, Malema accused those urging his removal of seeking to destroy the party, stating that they would have to kill him first before they could topple the EFF. He insisted that succession was inevitable within the party, even if Malema had to depart. Malema emphasized the party's resilience despite efforts to undermine it, describing it as a \"well-oiled machine\" that would not be defeated. He criticized the Western Cape IEC for its alleged eviction due to unpaid rent, asserting that the EFF had never faced such a situation. Malema also alleged an international smear campaign orchestrated by AfriForum and the Boeremag, claiming it had fueled the party's decline in support. Despite the setback, Malema framed the results as a victory for conservative forces in South Africa, warning that the EFF would need to confront its losses honestly. He dismissed the MK Party's surge in popularity, accusing it of operating like a \"Bantustan\" along tribal lines and emphasizing the EFF's national reach and growing support at the ward level. Malema pointed to increased EFF victories in several provinces, including the North West, Mpumalanga, and Marikana, where the party took two seats from the ANC.",
  "summary": "Furious EFF leader Julius Malema has hit back at calls for him to step down, saying those calling for his removal want to destroy the party and will have to 'kill him first'.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malema defends EFF against calls for his resignation.",
    "Succession inevitable, even if Malema departs.",
    "EFF results frame conservative forces' victory."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Mail and Guardian",
        "title": "Malema calls for progressive alliance as EFF confronts electoral losses",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/malema-calls-for-progressive-alliance-as-eff-confronts-electoral",
        "published": "2026-11-07T12:28:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}