The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has named its Deputy President, Godrich Gardee, as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Mbombela ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. The announcement was made by EFF leader Julius Malema during the party’s 13th anniversary celebrations and election manifesto launch held in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.
Gardee’s selection signals the party’s intention to strengthen its presence in strategically important municipalities as it prepares for the November 2026 polls. As one of the EFF’s most senior leaders, his deployment to contest Mbombela highlights the significance the party places on securing control of Mpumalanga’s capital city.
Mbombela is regarded as a key political battleground in the province, and Gardee’s long-standing association with Mpumalanga is expected to make his campaign one of the most closely followed in the region. Political analysts anticipate increased competition as parties intensify efforts to win voter support in the municipality.
The announcement formed part of a broader rollout of the EFF’s mayoral candidates for major municipalities across the country. The party also unveiled Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng as its candidate for Johannesburg, Omphile Maotwe for Tshwane, Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi for eThekwini, Nontando Nolutshungu for Cape Town, and Sinawo Thambo for Nelson Mandela Bay, among other appointments.
Speaking before thousands of supporters, Malema said the upcoming local government elections would be crucial for the country’s future. He argued that many municipalities have experienced years of poor governance, failing infrastructure, and inadequate service delivery, adding that the EFF’s candidates were chosen to restore accountability and improve local administration.