Julius Malema’s 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 on 4 November 2026.

The findings, released on 4 September 2026, highlight that while the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) remain the leading parties in most metropolitan areas, the EFF is making notable inroads in the Eastern Cape.

The EFF is making notable inroads in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape and continues to perform well in Limpopo.

According to the Ipsos data, the EFF’s support in Buffalo City is substantially higher than in other metros, positioning the party as a major contender in the region. The report notes that Buffalo City is among the metros where the race between the ANC and DA is expected to be particularly competitive, with the EFF’s increased support further complicating the political landscape.

The poll also indicates that voter turnout remains a critical factor, as between one-fifth and one-quarter of registered voters in key metros, including Buffalo City, currently indicate that they do not intend to vote.