By localnew 
Malema Publicly Rejects Helen Zille and ActionSA Leadership at EFF Voter Registration Drive
Johannesburg, South Africa – Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), used a major voter registration event in Johannesburg to publicly criticise the leadership campaigns of Helen Zille and members of ActionSA, signalling a clear political challenge as local elections approach.
Addressing a large crowd gathered for the party’s mass voter registration drive, Malema took aim at the opposition’s focus on personalities rather than policies. He specifically criticised Helen Zille, saying that her leadership pitch in Johannesburg was misguided and that the city’s residents would reject her as a mayoral candidate. Malema also criticised ActionSA’s leadership for prioritising personalities over substantive plans for change.
Malema accused Zille and other opposition figures of trying to turn the local election campaign into a “personality contest” rather than outlining clear policy platforms. He said the EFF’s approach was different, emphasizing detailed plans and manifesto commitments before announcing mayoral candidates.
He argued that launching a strong manifesto first would ensure that public representatives understand what is expected of them, rather than relying on name recognition alone. Malema also suggested that the EFF would not be rushed into naming candidates simply because other parties have already done so.
Malema’s remarks come as several major parties—including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA—have been unveiling their proposed leadership for key metropolitan municipalities, particularly in Johannesburg ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
By directly calling out Zille and ActionSA’s leadership, Malema appears to be doubling down on framing the EFF as an alternative focused on policy substance rather than personality politics—an attempt to contrast his party’s campaign strategy with that of rivals in the opposition camp.