Julius Malema’s EFF surges to 27% in unexpected municipality, claims latest poll
A new Ipsos poll has revealed a significant surge for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality ahead of South Africa’s upcoming local government elections on 4 November 2026.
According to the latest data, the EFF is currently polling at 27% in the region, positioning the party as a major contender in the metro. The survey results indicate a highly competitive landscape, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) polling at 33% and the African National Congress (ANC) at 29%.
The findings suggest that the outcome in Buffalo City could hinge on coalition negotiations, as the ANC and EFF combined could potentially surpass the 50% threshold required to govern, while the DA remains a strong alternative depending on post-election alliances.
The EFF has been actively campaigning across the Eastern Cape, recently announcing Mkhululi Dlevu as its mayoral candidate for Buffalo City. The party’s platform focuses on improving basic service delivery, combating corruption, and job creation.