Julius Malema’s EFF surges to 27% in unexpected municipality, claims latest poll

A recent poll conducted by Ipsos has revealed a significant surge in support for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, with the party reaching 27% in voter intentions ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

The findings, which highlight the shifting political landscape in South Africa’s key metros, suggest that the EFF has established a strong competitive position in the region, outperforming its support levels in other major metropolitan areas.

EFF support is concentrated in Buffalo City. Although support for the EFF varies across metros, it reaches 27% in Buffalo City, substantially higher than elsewhere. This places the party in a strong competitive position in the metro.

The data indicates that while the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) remain the leading parties in most metros, the EFF’s growth in Buffalo City makes it a critical player in the battle for control of the municipality.

Political analysts note that these figures reflect the party’s intensified campaigning efforts in the Eastern Cape, where it has deployed high-profile leadership to secure electoral gains. The local government elections are scheduled to take place in November 2026.