Julius Malema EFF Surges to 27% in Buffalo City: Ipsos Poll (Local Government Elections 4 November 2026)

A recent Ipsos poll has revealed a significant surge in support for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, with the party now polling at 27% ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

The study, which interviewed 3,600 South Africans nationally between June and July 2026, highlights a shifting political landscape in the Eastern Cape metro. While the African National Congress (ANC) continues to lead with 38% support, the EFF’s growth to 27% positions it as a major contender in the region.

The EFF is polling at 27% in Buffalo City, signaling a major shift in voter sentiment as the party intensifies its campaign efforts ahead of the November polls.

The EFF has been actively preparing for the elections, recently announcing Mkhululi Dlevu, a current Member of Parliament, as its mayoral candidate for Buffalo City. Party leader Julius Malema has been vocal about the need for increased municipal funding to address service delivery challenges, a message that appears to be resonating with voters in the metro.

As the 4 November election date approaches, political analysts are closely watching the competition between the ANC, the EFF, and other opposition parties, as the results in Buffalo City could have significant implications for the future of coalition governance in South Africa’s major metros.