2 rallies, 1 day: EFF, ANC court Limpopo voters ahead of polls
While the EFF launched its manifesto at a packed Thohoyandou Stadium, the ANC held its own rally nearby, both looking ahead to November's polls.
LIMPOPO – Thohoyandou played host to two major political gatherings on the same day, as the EFF and ANC both mobilised supporters ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
EFF fills stadium for manifesto launch
The EFF filled Thohoyandou Stadium to capacity on Saturday as thousands of supporters gathered for the party’s 13th anniversary celebrations and the launch of its 2026 Local Government Elections manifesto.
Supporters dressed in the party’s trademark red regalia packed the approximately 18 000-seat stadium, while many others gathered outside after the venue reached capacity.
Organisers were forced to open the gates to allow additional supporters onto the field, and an overflow area was established outside the stadium so that those who could not enter the venue could follow the proceedings.
Malema: EFF is now the country’s third-largest party
Addressing the crowd, EFF leader Julius Malema praised party members for building what he described as the country’s third-largest political party.
Malema said the EFF was confident of achieving strong results in the 2026 local government elections, arguing that municipalities would not experience meaningful change without the party in government. He said the EFF’s political programme is driven by the goal of achieving economic freedom and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Our political programme is underpinned by the desire for economic freedom in our lifetime. This is a generational call to transform society and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
Jobs, water and electricity top EFF’s manifesto
Malema said the party’s 2026 local government election manifesto is based on the EFF’s seven cardinal pillars and focuses on addressing poverty, unemployment and poor service delivery.
Among the party’s priorities, he said, are creating sustainable employment, improving access to clean water, ensuring reliable electricity, strengthening food security and delivering quality municipal services.
“We want proper food. We want water. We want electricity, and not just electricity, reliable electricity. We don’t want tenders. We want people to work directly, receive appointment letters, have medical aid, pension funds and paid leave,” he told supporters.
Malema also criticised what he described as the collapse of many municipalities, accusing corruption and poor governance of denying communities access to essential services.
ANC gathers nearby to honour Mandela’s legacy
Hundreds of ANC members and supporters gathered at Makwarela Stadium near Thohoyandou on Saturday for a rally commemorating the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela and mobilising support ahead of the November 4 local government election.
The rally, held a short distance from Thohoyandou Stadium where the EFF hosted their manifesto launch on the same day, was addressed by provincial ANC chairperson and the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who is also a member of the ANC NEC also addressed the gathering.
Ramathuba told supporters that the ANC remained committed to preserving Nelson Mandela’s legacy by creating jobs, fighting poverty and ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry. She declared that the ANC remained the political home of the majority of citizens and expressed confidence that the party would continue to enjoy strong support in Limpopo.
Ramathuba warns underperforming councillors
Ramathuba issued a stern warning to under performing councillors and mayors ahead of the upcoming election. She said the ANC would not tolerate poor performance and was prepared to recall public representatives who failed to deliver services to communities.
Ramathuba revealed that the ANC had already begun reconfiguring its provincial leadership structures, including replacing some mayors in municipalities where service delivery and governance had fallen short. She stressed that accountability remained central to the ANC’s renewal programme, saying the party could not expect to retain public confidence if it failed to hold its own employees accountable.
She expressed confidence that the ANC would retain control of all 27 municipalities in Limpopo after the election.
She also commented on the SACP’s decision to contest the elections independently, saying although the ANC would have preferred to remain united with its alliance partner, it respected the SACP’s decision and remained focused on securing victory in Limpopo.
Godongwana announces municipal financial relief
Godongwana thanked residents for their strong support and announced financial relief for municipalities that had recently had portions of their equitable share allocations withheld.
He said the affected municipalities would begin receiving the funds from Tuesday, but emphasised that the assistance would be subject to strict conditions aimed at improving financial management, accountability and service delivery.
He said the conditions were intended to ensure that public funds were used responsibly.
