Analyst: Malema’s Oval Office video could energise base
Election analyst Wayne Sussman says the EFF could use criticism from US President Donald Trump to its advantage in the run-up to South Africa’s local government elections in 2026.
During Wednesday’s meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Trump at the White House, the U.S. president presented newspaper clippings and a video of EFF leader Julius Malema chanting “Kill the Boer” — which he cited as evidence of alleged targeted killings of white South African farmers.
While the meeting aimed to repair diplomatic ties between Pretoria and Washington, it unexpectedly cast the EFF into the conversation.
Sussman believes this could help the EFF gain momentum ahead of the polls.
“A number of radical voters don’t think favourable of the United States, especially under Donald Trump, and I think the EFF will try to take advantage of that. Trump focused on them far more than any other radical party,” Sussman said.
Despite the EFF facing internal challenges — including a decline in electoral support and the departure of senior party members — Sussman said the controversy could energise the party’s radical base.
EFF leader Julius Malema dismissed the Oval Office talks as “imperialist theatre” aimed at vilifying him and weakening South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
In a strongly worded statement, the EFF claimed that the meeting had devolved into an attack on their Commander-in-Chief and his “correct and principled” stance on land reform and restitution.
The party also criticised Ramaphosa’s delegation, which included billionaire Johann Rupert, golf icon Ernie Els, and DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.
The EFF labelled them as “white privileged men” aligned with corporate and elite interests.
Further stoking political tensions, the EFF alleged that a behind-the-scenes deal exists between the ANC and DA to sideline the EFF from political power.
"[DA leader] John Steenhuisen confirmed that they reached a pact with the ANC to keep the EFF out of power, this confirms the consolidation of the 2024 alliance between white minority capital and the neoliberal ANC," the party’s statement read.
However, Sussman downplayed the meeting’s broader electoral impact, stating that while some may view Ramaphosa’s calm and diplomatic performance as strong leadership, it’s unlikely to shift voting behaviour unless there are tangible economic benefits.
“If this meeting results in the United States of America sending President Trump to the G20 Summit, resulting in investment and job creation, then it can have a benefit,” Sussman said.
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