Julius Malema’s EFF surges to 27% in unexpected municipality, claims latest poll

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 study, which interviewed 3,600 South Africans nationally between June and July 2026, indicates a shifting political landscape in the Eastern Cape. While the African National Congress (ANC) has historically dominated the region, the latest data suggests that the EFF is rapidly gaining ground, positioning itself as a major contender in the metro.

The EFF is polling at 27% in Buffalo City ahead of South Africa’s 4 November Local Government Elections, according to the latest Ipsos Pulse.

Political analysts suggest that the EFF’s focus on service delivery, anti-corruption, and job creation is resonating with voters who are increasingly disillusioned with the status quo. The party has recently deployed Mkhululi Dlepu as its mayoral candidate for Buffalo City, signaling its intent to challenge for leadership in the municipality.

As the election date approaches, campaigns are expected to intensify, with coalition negotiations likely to play a critical role in determining the future governance of the metro. With the ANC polling at 29% and the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 33% in some recent projections, the 27% support for the EFF makes it a potential kingmaker or a serious challenger for the mayoral seat.