EFF turns 13: Malema seizes moment as ANC helicopter makes its presence at Thohoyandou event

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) celebrated its 13th anniversary on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at the Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo, where party leader Julius Malema used the platform to launch the party’s 2026 local government election manifesto.

Addressing thousands of supporters, Malema emphasized the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and the provision of basic services. He declared,

There can be no real freedom without functioning municipalities. There can be no dignity where water does not flow, where electricity is unreliable, where roads are unsafe, and where clinics cannot [provide] service.

A central pillar of the EFF’s campaign is the promise of direct municipal insourcing. Malema stated that if the party wins power, it will end the reliance on contractors for municipal services to ensure workers receive job security and benefits.

We are going to build internal capacity and in-source all the workers. Everyone who works in a municipality of the EFF will be employed directly by that particular municipality. We don’t want tenders. We want people to work directly, have an appointment letter, a medical aid, pension fund and also leave days.

During the event, Malema also unveiled the party’s mayoral candidates for South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities, positioning a mix of senior leaders and experienced officials to lead the campaign. The rally took place amidst a backdrop of political tension, with reports noting the presence of an ANC helicopter over the venue during the proceedings.