Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema blamed what he dubbed “the former liberation movement” for the success of right-wing forces in the 2026 local government elections, in the party’s post-election statement released on Saturday, the day Malema addressed an EFF press conference.

Malema said these forces “were legitimised and endorsed by the former liberation movement through their inclusion in government following the 2024 provincial and national elections”.

“The former liberation movement had the opportunity to choose progressive forces and the left to form government, but they allowed those who have infiltrated them to guide them towards white supremacy, and white supremacy has taken over our metros today using their endorsement,” Malema said.

Malema said the right-wing forces “have not won these metros outright” and that “there is still an opportunity to self-correct”.

He said that on the provisional results, the EFF received 1.8 million votes, or 6.26% of the vote, compared with 2.4 million votes, or 10.31%, in 2021.

“We have lost 612 326 votes nationally and moved from third to fourth place. That is the setback we must confront honestly,” Malema said.

The EFF won 37 wards, up from 19 in 2021, including its first ward councillors in the metros: two wards in the City of Johannesburg, one in Buffalo City and one in Mangaung, according to Malema. The EFF has in fact won ward councillors in the metros previously.

“Our message as the EFF to all progressive forces is simple: it is either we unite or perish.

“A setback is not a defeat; it is an opportunity which gives us a moment to reflect on how to better present ourselves and our message of service delivery to the people,” Malema concluded.