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

A new 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.

The study, which interviewed 3,600 South Africans nationally between June and July 2026, highlights the growing influence of Julius Malema’s party in key battleground areas.

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.

This development comes as the EFF intensifies its campaign efforts across the country, with the party recently announcing its mayoral candidates for the Eastern Cape, including Mkhululi Dlevu for Buffalo City.