Julius Malema Sets Conditions for EFF Joining GNU, Says DA and FF Plus Must Leave First

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has indicated his party’s openness to joining the Government of National Unity (GNU), but only if the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus first exited the arrangement.

Malema made the remarks over the weekend during a door-to-door campaign in Naledi, Soweto, as parties intensify efforts ahead of the 4 November Local Government Elections.

Speaking about the possibility of entering the coalition government, Malema explained what it would take for that to happen.

We are not opposed to participating in the GNU. If Helen Zille walks tomorrow, and that other one of Correctional Services, the Freedom Front, walk, we’ll go inside.

Malema also addressed the current political climate, noting that the EFF would not compromise its political principles to enter government. He further criticized the DA, specifically responding to comments from DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille regarding her refusal to work with the EFF, and accused the party of hostility toward the EFF’s independence from white political influence.