The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are entering the 2026 local government elections with a renewed focus on organisational strength, youth mobilisation, and strategic victories to challenge the ruling coalition.Secretary-General Marshal Dlamini outlined a campaign prioritising structural reforms, including regional restructuring to improve voter engagement.The party aims to contest all 4,400 wards nationally, leveraging its membership growth, particularly among young people.Key strategies include aggressive voter registration, a manifesto-driven approach, and prioritising competent leaders over celebrity figures.The EFF also emphasises policies like land expropriation without compensation, free education, and expanded healthcare.

While acknowledging coalition inevitability, Dlamini insists future negotiations will centre on policy implementation rather than political positions, ruling out partnerships with the DA or FF Plus.The party's focus remains on converting its organisational foundation into executive authority, aiming to govern rather than merely oppose.