EFF turns 7: Party can win Gauteng ‘if strategic’ - analyst

Opposition parties believe the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent social and economic fallout could prove fertile ground for political gains during next year’s local government elections.

 

The country’s economic hub of Gauteng will once again be a key battleground between the EFF, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA).

 

Political analyst Levy Ndou says there is an opportunity for further growth for the EFF during next year’s polls, due to the party’s knack of exploiting issues that are relevant to ordinary South Africans.

 

He adds that the EFF’s knowledge of ANC vulnerabilities also works in its favour.

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"The EFF is a strategic partner, in the sense that it understands the ruling party very well to capitalise on its shortcoming. They remain the most relevant party to assist South Africa to move forward in a much faster pace.”

 

He believes the EFF could win Gauteng, but warns that all the political parties will see it as key to electoral success.

 

"The party's win in Gauteng depends on the strategy that they use. Gauteng has got its dynamics based on the mixed population set up, but the DA, ANC and EFF are all interested in what is to happen in the province. All political parties are working very hard to win in the province.”

 

"If the EFF wants to win the province they should capitalise on areas where they can garner more support and govern, so that can test their ability to run the entire republic.

 

“I won't be surprised if they focus on Gauteng and win it."