EFF leader Julius Malema said on Thursday that the country’s only Marxist-Leninist-Fanonist movement has opened its doors to setting up coalition governments in various hung municipalities, especially at big metros such as the City of Joburg, Nelson Mandela Bay, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
The 2021 local government elections results show that coalition governments are inevitable – and will once again be the order of the day when the results are announced on Thursday evening.
With 99% of the province’s vote capturing complete, the EFF has registered just over 10% of the votes, nationally.
He said the EFF is willing to form coalitions with anyone with a clear agenda on land redistribution, electricity, water provision, sanitation, and healthcare for the poor.
“We are not going to approach anyone. We have not been elected as a majority in any municipality – it is a clear indication of how people feel about us so we shouldn’t go around bothering anyone. But those who come to us, they will find our door open,” said Malema.
“Coalitions are not work, it is a group of elites, predominantly males, looking after their egos. So, it shouldn’t be a difficult job to do.”
Malema said if there is no outright winner, there is no one who can go around trying to claim anything to the EFF.
“The people have no chosen anyone – they said we must make arrangements among ourselves,” said Malema.
“People said they don’t want to be governed by the EFF. So, what must I say? I must say that the people want us to govern them? No! it is obvious, they did not elect us, they are not ready to be led by government of the EFF. But the EFF can lead them through a coalition.”
The EFF leader said his party ran a spirited campaign in all municipalities across the country, and did not focus on one province or metro.
“We want the whole of South Africa. You cannot say ‘I want to remove the ANC’ and then you only contest in Joburg. We are on the ground. Our people are angry, they want services now,” said Malema.
“We are in the villages, we are fighting the ruling party where it matters the most – the whole entire country.
Well, we just came out of the campaign, so we will reconcile the figures and we will come back to you. Campaign is not necessarily expensive – it all depends on how you go about it.”
- Inside Politics
