The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has announced that Godrich Gardee, the party’s Deputy President, will be their candidate for mayor in the City of Mbombela. This decision comes as part of the party’s preparations for the upcoming local government elections, which are set for 2026. The announcement was made by EFF leader Julius Malema during the party’s 13th anniversary celebrations and the launch of their election manifesto in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. During the event, the party also revealed its candidates for several other important municipalities and metropolitan areas across South Africa.
Choosing Gardee for Mbombela is seen as a strategic move by the EFF. He is one of the party’s most senior leaders, and his deployment to this key municipality highlights how seriously the party is taking its efforts to expand its influence in Mpumalanga, the province where Mbombela is located. The city is particularly important because it is a major urban center, and winning there could strengthen the EFF’s position in the province.
Gardee’s connection to Mpumalanga runs deep, and his candidacy is expected to attract a lot of attention from voters and other political parties alike. As the campaign season approaches, political activity in Mbombela is likely to heat up, with parties focusing heavily on gaining support in this closely watched municipality.
The move to announce Gardee as a candidate fits into a broader strategy by the EFF to field experienced and well-known leaders in key areas across the country. Along with Gardee, the party has named prominent figures for other major cities. For example, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng will contest in Johannesburg, Omphile Maotwe in Tshwane, Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi in Durban, Nontando Nolutshungu in Cape Town, and Sinawo Thambo in Nelson Mandela Bay. These selections show the party’s focus on placing influential candidates in strategic locations.
During his speech, Malema told thousands of supporters that the upcoming local government elections are critical for South Africa’s future. He argued that many municipalities have suffered from years of poor leadership, neglecting infrastructure, and failing to provide basic services to residents. Malema stated that the candidates chosen by the EFF are committed to restoring accountability, improving how local governments operate, and focusing on the needs of communities.
The core themes of the EFF’s campaign include better service delivery, clean governance, economic growth, and stronger municipal accountability. The party believes that local governments should do more to improve everyday life for residents by ensuring they have reliable access to water, electricity, sanitation, roads, and other essential services.
As the countdown to the 2026 elections begins, Gardee’s nomination is expected to make the contest in Mbombela more intense. Parties will be working hard to win voter support, and the coming months will likely see lively debates about governance, development, and service delivery. The EFF hopes that its prominent leadership and focused campaign can turn these municipal elections into a successful step toward expanding its influence across South Africa.