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, indicates that the EFF is gaining substantial ground in the Eastern Cape region.

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 party prepares for the 4 November 2026 elections, with leader Julius Malema recently announcing key mayoral candidates for major metros across the country to bolster the party’s campaign efforts.