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

A new 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 South Africa’s upcoming local government elections on 4 November 2026.

The study, which interviewed 3,600 South Africans nationally between June and July 2026, indicates a significant shift in the political landscape of 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 of the People study.

This development comes as the party intensifies its campaign efforts, having recently deployed high-profile leadership to key metros across the country to contest the local government elections.