Cape Town – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have extended their congratulations to South African-born New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani following his historic victory in the city’s mayoral elections.
New Yorkers elected the 34-year-old as their next mayor, making him the city’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest in over a century.
His victory, as a Democratic socialist, comes despite fierce attacks on his policies and Muslim heritage from business elites, conservative media, and former President Donald Trump.
Mamdani told supporters, “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” adding, “In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light.”
The elections also saw Democrats win two key state governor races, sending an early signal to Trump ahead of the 2026 midterms and boosting morale among Democrats nationwide.
According to the EFF, Mamdani’s win is not only a transformative moment for the people of New York but also a powerful signal to the world that progressive, justice-driven leadership can thrive even within the heart of a global capitalist system.
The EFF’s Statement Congratulating Zohran Mamdani on New York City Mayoral Victory
-The EFF particularly applauds Mamdani’s support for the people of Palestine, a stance that represents a necessary moral awakening within American politics. In an environment where open support… pic.twitter.com/RTgJgM1Yrq
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 5, 2025
In a statement, the party praised Mamdani’s vision for New York City, which includes affordable housing, free public transport, accessible healthcare, and city-owned grocery stores.
The EFF sees this vision as proof that people-centred governance can succeed even in one of the world’s most powerful economic systems.
“The EFF particularly applauds Mamdani’s support for the people of Palestine, a stance that represents a necessary moral awakening within American politics.
“In an environment where open support for Palestinian liberation is often met with vilification and suppression, Mamdani’s courage has made him a symbol of principled leadership by standing against apartheid, genocide, and the silencing of truth.
Zohran Mamdani’s full victory speech
➡️ Youngest Mayor of New York in a century
➡️ First ever Muslim Mayor of New York
➡️ What’s with British and American Muslims integrating into society, appealing to local populations and winning the popular vote to become Mayor, first… pic.twitter.com/kpAEHUKMy4
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) November 5, 2025
“His victory reflects a growing recognition among ordinary Americans that justice for Palestine is inseparable from global justice,” said the party’s National Spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo.
The party also voiced its disapproval of Donald Trump’s threats to withhold federal funding from New York “due to ideological differences with Mamdani.”
“This attempt at political blackmail exposes Trump’s continued disdain for democracy, his hostility toward progressive leadership, and his desire to weaponise power against those who challenge the capitalist order,” said Thambo.
The EFF expressed confidence that Mamdani’s leadership will mark the beginning of progressive global relations and renewed solidarity between Africa, the United States, and the broader Global South.
“The EFF believes that a new relationship between Africa and the United States must be forged, one free from the neo-colonial arrogance and exploitative interests that have defined past US foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration,” said Thambo.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
