The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have launched their 2026 Local Government Election campaign under the theme “Victory or Death”, linking grassroots service delivery failures to constitutional delays, electoral reform, and international justice.
What is happening?
From 30 January to 1 February 2026, the EFF held its Second Plenum of the 3rd National People’s Assembly, bringing together 668 delegates across provinces, the Women’s Command, the Youth Command, and central leadership.
Key decisions included:
- Adopting Victory or Death as the 2026 campaign slogan
- Confirming that the EFF will contest to govern municipalities, not just win seats
- Condemning judicial and electoral failures nationally
- Calling for a boycott of the US-hosted FIFA World Cup
- Expressing solidarity with Palestine and Uganda
The party positioned the 2026 elections as a historic line between “continuing the revolution or surrendering to counter-revolution”.
Why it matters to you
This affects voters who:
- Live in municipalities with collapsed water and sanitation systems
- Are students or parents affected by school access or funding challenges
- Are frustrated by the delayed Phala Phala ruling
- Are concerned about corruption, selective justice, and global inequality
The EFF is positioning itself as a governing alternative for municipalities, and as a voice for justice beyond South Africa.
What you need to know
Local Governance and Service Delivery
- Water & Electricity: EFF cited Midrand and other towns facing water cuts. Promises municipal-level intervention if elected.
- DA Criticism: The party accused the DA of “anti-black racism” and collapsing infrastructure in Gauteng metros.
- Education Campaigns:
- #UmntanaEskolweni targets school access, placement discrimination, and infrastructure gaps.
- #SizofundaNgenkani helps students apply, enrol, and access funding.
Crime, Corruption & Discipline
- Criminal cases have been opened against those involved in corrupt school admission schemes.
- The EFF said it would “deal harshly” with internal corruption, warning no member is above discipline.
- Accused the ruling ANC of using state institutions for “selective prosecution”.
Parliament and Electoral Reform
- EFF will reintroduce motions for:
- Automatic voter registration at age 16
- A single five-year election cycle across all levels of government
- Opposes permanent by-elections as wasteful and disruptive
- Called on the Electoral Commission to take a more transparent stance on electoral readiness
Judicial Accountability
- EFF criticised the Constitutional Court for delays in its ruling on the Phala Phala matter, saying:
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and this delays trust in our democracy.”
- Rejected the Madlanga Commission’s partial release, demanding full findings be made public
- Warned that judicial institutions must “not be used to shield powerful political actors”
International and Solidarity Positions
| Issue | EFF Position |
|---|---|
| FIFA 2026 World Cup | Called for a boycott of the US-hosted tournament, citing “racist visa denials” and travel risks to Africans |
| US Foreign Policy | Described as “imperial and violent”; criticised military interventions and economic sanctions in Cuba, Venezuela, Iran |
| Uganda Elections | Declared the January 2026 general election illegitimate, citing an internet blackout and media suppression |
| Palestine Solidarity | Reaffirmed support; reiterated call to shut down the Israeli Embassy in South Africa |
| Global South Unity | Urged African and Latin American countries to form “anti-imperialist alliances” to resist Western control |
The party stated:
“The struggle for liberation does not end at our borders.”
What you should do next
If you are affected by municipal collapse or political gridlock:
- Check your municipality: Find out if the EFF is fielding candidates in your ward.
- Register to vote or update details at https://elections.org.za
- Track education support from EFF Youth Command via #SizofundaNgenkani
- Follow court updates on the Phala Phala case and pending judgments
- Engage or report service failures using EFF branch structures or your local councillor
