EFF throws its weight behind D

EFF throws its weight behind DA, securing Tshwane and Jozi for the opposition

While Malema’s freedom fighters have refused any formal coalitions, the EFF has agreed to vote for the DA, giving the Alliance control of Tshwane, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay and Mogale City.

EFF throws its weight behind D

Ok so it’s not exactly a U-turn, but the Economic Freedom Fighters have given their support to the Democratic Alliance, committing their votes so as to ensure that the DA takes leadership of Johannesburg and Tshwane.

The move will see the DA essentially lead all currently hung councils, but Malema was clear that this is not a permanent coalition and that the EFF’s support on individual matters will be determined when they pop up.

Along with the DA’s other coalition partners, the EFF has ensured that the official opposition take over mayoral positions in all but two of the country’s largest metros, but it hasn’t come without strings attached.

Following the EFF’s press conference on Wednesday — where Malema said they would not form coalitions with anybody –, Juju said that they would vote for the DA in the hung metros, but that the party’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate should be replaced with someone else.

The EFF leader asked that Herman Mashaba – founder of Black Like Me – not become Jozi mayor as he is “an embarrassment.” BDLive reports that Mashaba faired rather poorly on the campaign trail, following some scathing remarks he made about BEE and poor people.

Malema added that the request to remove Mashaba is not a deal-breaker and DA leader Mmusi Maimane has said that the party will not abuse the electorate by removing a candidate they voted for.