Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

13 October 2026

7-minute read

In an exclusive interview on Radio Islam International this morning, EFF’ s Commander in Chief, Mr Julius Malema, spoke to Ml Sulaimaan Ravat. The Economic Freedom Front has been putting forward their plans to fix South Africa by focusing on water, electricity, job creation, and restoring dignity in our communities.

The Issue of Immigration

Commencing with the burning issue of immigration and the recent immigration protests ripping through the country, many feel that government has failed at enforcing the law. But when protests turn violent and government capitulates, concerns are raised about the precedent we are setting in resolving grievances. Mr Malema states that “there is no issue with immigration,” rather, disgruntled communities and “down-and-out” individuals are looking for scapegoats to blame the issues of schools, hospitals, and basic services on. He claims that those governing KZN direct their people to attack foreigners “who have nothing to do with this.” External forces who are “not smart” are at the helm of these attacks, but the petty criminals they employ do not have minds sophisticated enough to mobilise the struggle against immigration. However, Mr Malema feels that this issue will not affect the elections because “people are genuinely looking for services.”

Turning Municipalities into Construction Sites!

If EFF were to win the mayoral chain in any of the larger municipalities, they would first prioritise filling up full-time positions with people who have the necessary confidence to deliver services. “Our municipalities under the EFF are going to be turned into construction sites!” Mr Malema says that the EFF plans to:

• Eradicate illegal dumping,
• Create new water piping projects and get rid of the old asbestos pipes,
• Rework electricity infrastructure to maintain reliable electricity,
• Cancel the debt, especially for the “grannies” for are receiving SASSA, and
• Create jobs for people, irrespective of their political affiliation.

How Deep is the Rot?

“Corruption is a crime; rot is a crime” but Mr Malema says that no problem is too deep to be dealt with. From the top down, the role-players who are involved in corruption need to be isolated with charges brought against them.

The Coalition Reality

Mr Malema doubts whether the ANC will come back strong in this local government election. Weaker now than ever before, they will no longer be able to dictate what must happen. Citing the amendment of the Municipal Systems Act, whereby municipalities are governed, he states that the ANC is suggesting that the party with the highest number of votes gets to be the mayor of that ward, thereby bypassing voters and illegally “predetermining the outcome of the elections.”

According to the Constitution of SA, a president can be elected from among members of parliament, and the same goes for councillors. With minority votes, there are no “less members of council” and there cannot be a discrimination against the minority – “Wena, you are not going to be a mayor!” The minority should have the same rights as the majority, and the best person should lead the municipality, regardless of whether his party has the majority vote.

Not the Best Party

“We all now have a mayoral candidate except the clowns who don’t know what the future holds for them,” Mr Malema emphasizes. He says that voters should be focusing on the best candidate to lead a municipality, and not on the best party. He made the point that there is no rush but that there is enough time to discuss coalitions once the elections have taken place.

The Stance on Palestine

“Morally, it stands above any other ideology” says Mr Malema when asked about bringing the Palestinian issue into local government elections. According to him, any party supporting Palestine “stands on a high moral ground” and will “never be on the side of the oppressor,” alluding to such parties caring about basic services for its citizens because of their stance on Palestine. The fact is that as a Muslim, you cannot vote for “anti-Palestinian parties,” he emphasizes, calling it a “cardinal sin” to support a party that advocates for the killing of Palestinians.

What about Disillusioned South Africans?

Mr Malema says that he doesn’t listen to them, because the only South Africans who are disillusioned and want to disengage are usually “disgruntled ANC” supporters who feel that nothing will change. But Malema comments that everyone must vote. If you feel that you have been voting all along, but that nothing has changed, or are unhappy with the party you voted into power, then simply “change your vote!”

What Gives You Hope?

“South Africa performs better when it’s in a bad situation!” Mr Malema refers to South Africans as resilient people who do not give up hope easily. The EFF feels that the time for change has come – “we just have to take away those who have wasted our time” after 32 years in power without maintaining or rebuilding the infrastructure.

It’s Time for Civil Society to Hold Politicians Accountable

“You don’t vote and go home; you vote and follow up your vote!” Mr Malema stresses. Find out from the different forums that have been created what your vote can do once it has been cast. Hold elected officials accountable, engage with them and expose the rot – “civil societies must not close shop!”

Why Should the EFF be An Option when Casting your Ballot?

The EFF’s Achievements are far-reaching. In an area where elderly people were residing in an old-age home in Gqeberha, the party took up the issue of the R3.6 million debt that the pensioners were owing the municipality, and got the debt cancelled and the area zero-rated. The EFF plans to work with the SASSA offices to get pensioners excluded from paying water and electricity tariffs. Other plans include:

• Getting drinkable water to run through every tap,
• Dispatching a “mini army that is declaring war on the potholes”” to close every pothole,
• Resurfacing roads and building in stormwater pipes and adequate pavements so that every road can be driven on,
• Filling up permanent posts and acting on and removing corrupt people in municipalities,
• Protecting women and children, and
• Ensuring that the elderly, especially, receive better services.

Mr Julius Malema concludes the discussion with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat by inviting the community to come out to the Orlando Stadium on the 31^{st of} October to “celebrate the victory of the EFF just before the elections!”

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and EFF Commander in Chief Julius Malema here.