BLOEMFONTEIN, Free State — Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has intensified the party’s campaign for the 2026 Local Government Elections, conducting a high-profile door-to-door outreach in Mangaung, Free State. With the 4 November 2026 polls just 12 days away, Malema is rallying residents to vote the “Red Berets” into power to address severe service delivery failures in the metro.
During his campaign trail through Phomolong and surrounding Bloemfontein communities, the EFF leader observed firsthand the dilapidated road infrastructure and sewage spillages plaguing the area. Addressing these visible challenges on the ground, Malema promised to fix the municipality’s broken infrastructure and tackle the broader issue of financial mismanagement that has hindered the metro’s progress.
Beyond infrastructure, the EFF leader outlined ambitious social welfare proposals. He pledged to increase social grants for both children and the elderly, specifically aiming to raise the elderly grant from 1.5 to 4.5. While addressing critical service delivery issues like water and electricity, Malema noted that he does not intend to make empty promises, but remains fully committed to bringing about tangible change.
Endorsing Sam Matiase and Targeting the ANC’s 30-Year Rule
A central focus of the Mangaung campaign is the endorsement of Member of Parliament Sam Matiase as the EFF’s mayoral candidate. Malema told enthusiastic crowds that the EFF is the only political party capable of undoing what he described as a “mess” created by the ANC government in the once-flourishing city.
Residents echoed this sentiment, with many telling campaigners that only the EFF can disrupt the status quo after the ANC has been in power for more than 30 years without delivering meaningful change.
Invoking the spirit of the 1976 student uprisings, Malema framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for the country’s future.
“Political freedom was inspired by 1976. Economic freedom is going to be inspired by 2026,” Malema declared to his supporters. “It is going to start in Mangaung and spread all over South Africa. We are going to make sure that we vote for economic freedom in our lifetime.”
Growing Support and the “Kingmaker” Challenge
The EFF leader expressed fascination at the growing support for his party, noting the hundreds of enthusiastic supporters who turned out for the door-to-door campaign. Supporters remain hopeful that the party will finally change the situation in their town.
However, questions remain regarding the party’s broader electoral strategy. The EFF currently holds a “kingmaker” status in many Free State municipalities. As the 4 November election date approaches, the party’s challenge will be converting this influential status into direct voter mandates, banking on voter frustration with governance to secure a decisive, outright win in Mangaung.
