PHOTOS: EFF targets municipal collapse with jobs, insourcing and free services pledge at manifesto launch

By Charmaine Ndlela

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has launched its 2026 local government election manifesto with a pledge to create jobs, insource municipal workers and expand free basic services as it seeks to capitalise on widespread anger over failing municipalities.

EFF leader Julius Malema unveiled the manifesto at the party’s 13th anniversary rally in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Saturday, casting the November elections as a test of whether voters would continue to tolerate corruption, unemployment and deteriorating service delivery.

“South Africa is confronted with a choice that can no longer be postponed. It is a choice between victory or death. The collapse of our municipalities is not just about broken pipes, potholes, refuse collection, water and electricity supply. It is about the daily lived experience of our people,” Malema said.

He said communities across the country continue to endure unemployment, unreliable electricity, poor roads, failing healthcare facilities and a lack