Make-or-break moment as EFF ‘tries to regroup’

With the EFF emerging from its third elective conference over the weekend, attention now shifts to the party's ability to regroup and reclaim lost ground in what could be a make-or-break moment for the party.

- Thando Nondywana

Ahead of the 2026 local government elections, the EFF, once seen as a rising force in South African politics, faces the critical task of reorganising and reasserting its influence.

Nelson Mandela University political analyst Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast said the election of new deputy president Godrich Gardee and secretary-general Marshall Dlamini signalled the party's intent to shield itself from internal and external challenges.

"The party is trying to regroup at the moment," he said. "However, that has also been done by sidelining people perceived to be disloyal. Those who are perceived not to defend, or question the party, are often seen as threats.

"But the key question is whether the party will go one level up and regain its appeal and become a decisive player. There's no in-between. This leadership change could either be for the better or for the worse."

Following the May elections, the EFF slipped to become the country's fourth-largest party.