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

A recent Ipsos poll has revealed that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, have surged to 27% support in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

The findings, which highlight the shifting political landscape in South Africa’s major metros, suggest that the EFF is making significant inroads in the Eastern Cape. This growth positions the party as a major contender in the region, challenging the traditional dominance of the ANC and DA.

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

According to the Ipsos research, while the ANC and DA remain the leading parties in most metropolitan areas, the race in Buffalo City has become increasingly competitive. The data indicates that the EFF’s support is particularly concentrated in this metro, reaching the 27% mark.

Political analysts note that these results may be of particular interest to parties campaigning in key metros, where a significant portion of registered voters have indicated they may not participate in the upcoming polls. The competitive nature of these races underscores the importance of voter mobilization efforts in the final stretch before the November elections.