Soweto – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says the party would consider joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) if the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) withdrew from the coalition.
However, Malema said the EFF would not abandon its political principles to secure a place in government.
Speaking during a door-to-door election campaign in Naledi, Soweto, Malema said the party was not opposed to participating in the GNU but objected to serving in the same cabinet as parties it accused of having a history of opposing black liberation.
“We are not opposed to participating in GNU. If Helen Zille walks tomorrow, and that other one of Correctional Services, the Freedom Front, Pieter Groenewald, walk, we’ll go inside,” he said.
Malema’s remarks referred to DA federal chairperson Helen Zille and Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald, who serves as Minister of Correctional Services.
President @Julius_S_Malema engaging with members of the media, after his door-to-door campaign in Soweto today, accompanied by the EFF Mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg @drtlaleng .
We are confident that the red flag will fly high in Johannesburg, come November. #VoteEFF2026 #VictoryOrDeath
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) October 18, 2026
Malema defends EFF’s conditions for joining government
Malema argued that the EFF could not reconcile its political values with serving alongside parties it associates with historical injustices against black South Africans.
He referred to the execution of Solomon Mahlangu, the anti-apartheid activist who was hanged in 1979, as part of his argument.
“You are asking us to sit in cabinet with people who killed children. Children who did nothing but asked to be free,” Malema said.
He added that the EFF would use government power to advance its policy priorities, particularly those aimed at improving the lives of poor and working-class black South Africans.
“When we go inside, things are going to start happening. Because we don’t play with power. We get it. We use it to benefit the black masses of our people,” he said.
Malema also outlined some of the policies the party would seek to implement if it entered government, including providing school meals and free school uniforms to children.
He said the proposals were intended to ensure that children had access to basic necessities regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.
Malema comments on Mbalula
The EFF leader also revealed that he had spoken to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula following recent events in court.
Malema said political differences should not prevent leaders from acknowledging one another during difficult moments.
“We can disagree anyhow as black brothers, but there are issues where we put aside political differences and wish each other well,” he said.
He added that he wanted Mbalula to experience an EFF-led government and the policies the party says it would implement.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
