The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), under Julius Malema’s leadership, are emerging as potential kingmakers as South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) faces mounting instability. With tensions escalating between the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and smaller coalition partners, Malema believes his party’s political moment may be nearing.
Addressing supporters, Malema declared the GNU already in collapse, citing ideological contradictions as its undoing. He identified the DA as the primary disruptor and reiterated that the EFF would only join the government if the DA were excluded.
“The GNU does not exist. It has crumbled before our eyes,” Malema stated, pointing to the ANC’s recent passage of the 2025/26 National Budget without DA support as evidence of the coalition’s fragility. The budget’s approval—secured with backing from smaller parties—signaled, in his view, the DA’s waning influence and created an opening for the EFF.
Malema’s strategy focuses on exploiting policy divisions and growing disillusionment within the GNU. He highlighted clashes over legislation like the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, arguing that ANC-DA conflicts are worsening. The EFF leader predicts these tensions will peak ahead of the ANC’s 2027 elective conference, creating an opportunity for a political realignment.
“We are patiently waiting to enter this government thing,” Malema said, teasing in isiZulu: “Siyangena” (we are entering)—when “they start fighting with Helen Zille,” a nod to the DA’s federal chairperson. His remarks suggest the EFF views an ANC-DA rupture as inevitable and is preparing to fill the vacuum.
Malema is also leveraging anti-Western rhetoric to undermine the DA and appeal to ANC factions wary of foreign influence. By framing the DA as a proxy for U.S. interests, he positions the EFF as the defender of South Africa’s sovereignty.
However, obstacles remain. The EFF refused to join the GNU in 2024 due to the DA’s involvement, and it’s unclear whether the ANC would—or could—expel the DA to accommodate the EFF.
Analysts caution against underestimating Malema’s tactics. “Julius Malema has always played the long game,” said political analyst Sipho Dlamini. “If the GNU keeps fracturing, the EFF could become decisive.”
As GNU infighting intensifies and South Africa approaches pivotal moments like the ANC’s 2027 leadership contest, the EFF’s waiting game could prove strategic. The question is whether the ANC will see Malema’s overture as an opportunity—or a perilous gamble.
