Fierce competition: Next mayor of Joburg could be an EFF member

The EFF have suggested they will contest the election for the next mayor of Johannesburg on Monday. Funzela Ngobeni of the DA has proved to be the front-runner in the competition, but with Julius Malema and his comrades in the mix, almost anything can happen.

The EFF says it's considering contesting the position of Joburg mayor. #sabcnews

— Radio 2000 (@Radio2000ZA) October 28, 2019

Julius Malema wants an EFF mayor in Johannesburg

Speaking to the media at their second elective conference in Nasrec, Malema revealed that he wants EFF members to be considered for posts in government – with the mayorship of Johannesburg being no different.

“They never talk about the EFF. I don’t understand why. We are ready to govern and I think we must look at this properly. If we can’t start identifying talent amongst our own ranks… The debate must not be reduced to simply DA or ANC. I want to propose that the EFF must contest Johannesburg.”

Julius Malema

EFF elective conference – latest news:

The stark admission came as Malema criticised some of his own comrades in the EFF, who have also failed to put forward other party members for position of leadership. He stated that a lack of opportunism within the Red Berets could end up killing the party – with small fractures beginning to show in their hierarchy.

It’s understood that this week’s elective conference could see a major shake-up within the top structures of the third-biggest political party in the country. The likes of Dali Mpofu and Godrich Gardee face a battle to keep hold of their positions, whereas Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu have been rocked by a series of VBS corruption allegations.

Fierce competition for Johannesburg mayor role

Should the EFF decide to field their own candidate in Johannesburg, they could turn the city red by winning. The party are in a coalition government with the DA, and although Malema and co have shared their glowing praise for Herman Mashaba, they are much less likely to welcome another DA leader to the position.

Funzela Ngobeni looks like he’ll have all this to contend with. DA Parliamentary leader John Steeenhuisen said earlier in the day that Joburg’s Finance MMC is the most likely to fill-in as mayor. The politician has also represented the ANC and Cope in his time, so he knows a thing or two about cross-party functions.

#Steenhuisen says City of Jo'burg Mayco Member of Finance Richard Funzela Ngobeni is likely to replace Herman Mashaba. He says the DA won't exit the coalition. #sabcnews

— Bulelani Phillip (@BulelaniPhillip) October 28, 2019