Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has criticised municipal service failures and called for action on hijacked buildings and extortion, as his party made its closing appeal ahead of the local government elections.
Addressing the EFF’s Tshela Thupa rally at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 31 October, Malema said communities had raised concerns about unemployment, failing infrastructure and access to services.
He accused corrupt officials, politicians and contractors of contributing to municipal failures, pointing to broken water infrastructure, leaking pipes and unreliable supplies. The allegations were part of his election address and were not independently established for every municipality he mentioned.
Malema also said criminal groups were taking over buildings in Johannesburg and collecting rent from vulnerable residents. He argued that hijacked properties should be returned to municipalities and used for affordable housing and student accommodation.
He warned that extortion targeting small businesses and contractors could force firms to close and cost communities jobs. The EFF leader called for a different approach to municipal government and urged supporters to vote on 4 November.
The EFF’s proposals form part of a broader contest over water, sanitation, housing and local jobs. Municipal councils elected on Wednesday will determine local administrations, while the delivery and funding of particular projects will depend on decisions taken after the election.
