Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has declared the Government of National Unity (GNU) a failure, claiming its collapse after just nine months validates his earlier predictions. “We said this thing wouldn’t last more than a year. It’s now nine months, and it has collapsed,” Malema told reporters on Wednesday.
But while Malema celebrates the GNU’s struggles, his own party is facing a worrying trend—near-total irrelevance in recent by-elections. Political analyst Professor John Molepo highlighted the EFF’s poor showing, with the ANC, MK Party, and Patriotic Alliance (PA) dominating key contests instead.
By-Election Breakdown: EFF Left Behind
- ANC retained Ward 13 in Intsika Yethu (Eastern Cape) and Ward 9 in Makhado (Limpopo), while snatching Ward 12 in uPhongolo (KZN) from the IFP.
- MK Party scored a major victory, taking Ward 28 in KwaDukuza from the ANC.
- PA pulled off an upset, winning Ward 82 in Johannesburg from the DA, which narrowly held Ward 99.
The results suggest shifting political dynamics, with the EFF failing to make gains while rival parties consolidate influence. Molepo noted, “The by-elections show who’s gaining traction—and right now, the EFF isn’t in the conversation.”
GNU on Life Support—But ANC Pushes Back
Malema’s declaration of the GNU’s demise may be exaggerated. ANC insiders dismiss claims of an imminent collapse, insisting the coalition remains functional despite tensions. However, the by-election performances of the MK Party and PA—both outside the GNU—indicate growing opposition momentum.
Malema’s Dilemma: GNU Collapse vs. EFF Decline
While Malema positions himself as a prophet of the GNU’s failure, his party’s inability to capitalize on the political turbulence raises questions. If the GNU does collapse, will the EFF benefit—or will rivals like the MK Party and PA seize the moment?
The coming weeks will test both Malema’s prediction and his party’s relevance. For now, the real story isn’t just the GNU’s struggles—it’s the EFF’s alarming absence from the battleground.