{
  "id": 2601364,
  "title": "EFF promises free basic services for the unemployed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/eff-promises-free-basic-services-for-the-unemployed",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T15:52:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/eff-promises-free-basic-services-for-the-unemployed/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Julius Malema, the Economic Freedom Fighters president, has promised free basic services for the unemployed and Sassa beneficiaries if the EFF is given the chance to govern. Malema made this pledge during a speech at the EFF Ground Forces Forum in Umsunduzi, Pietermaritzburg, as part of his local government election campaign. South Africa is set to hold local government elections on November 4. Malema expressed concern over the high unemployment rate in the country and criticized the government for failing to provide basic services. He stated that \"in your house, you've got cables; those cables are not electricity, it's just cables. You've got a plug on the wall; it's so painful because when you switch it on, the light doesn't come on because you cannot afford.\" According to Malema, the only place people will openly acknowledge their poverty in South Africa is at Sassa. If the EFF wins, he said they will ensure that the poor receive free electricity.",
  "summary": "Julius Malema says if the EFF wins it will ensure that unemployed citizens get free basic services",
  "key_points": [
    "Julius Malema, EFF president, promises free basic services for unemployed",
    "Election held on November 4, focusing on local government",
    "EFF pledges free electricity if elected, addressing South Africa's poverty"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}