Julius Malema isn’t just watching South Africa’s political theater unfold he’s strategically waiting in the wings, confident that the current Government of National Unity (GNU) is on a countdown to collapse. In what could be a major political shakeup, Malema believes the unraveling of the ANC-DA alliance is not just likely, but inevitable—and he’s ready to step in when it happens.
As leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Malema has been vocal about his plan to position the EFF at the heart of government once the cracks in the coalition widen beyond repair. He argues that the alliance between the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and smaller parties is fundamentally unstable, driven by deep ideological rifts and conflicting policy agendas. The flashpoints? Hot-button issues like the 2025/26 National Budget and the controversial BELA Bill.
Tensions recently flared when the ANC passed the national budget in April 2025 without the DA’s backing a move Malema sees as proof that the so-called unity government is already splintering. “There is nothing called the GNU, it collapsed in front of us,” he declared, clearly relishing the mounting evidence that the ANC and DA are on a political collision course.
Malema’s long game is based on patience and positioning. He insists that the EFF is ready to govern but has drawn a clear line: they won’t enter any coalition that includes the DA. His sharp critique of the DA focuses on its resistance to transformative policies like land expropriation without compensation a core EFF platform. In a bold statement dripping with anticipation, Malema said, “We are going to enter this thing of government, we are just waiting. When they start fighting with Helen Zille, *siyangena* (we are entering).”
That moment may be drawing closer. With the ANC increasingly relying on smaller parties instead of the DA, and internal conflicts bubbling to the surface, Malema sees an opening for the EFF. He’s even tapping into nationalist sentiment by accusing the DA of cozying up to foreign powers, particularly the U.S., a message likely to resonate with ANC factions wary of outside influence.
Still, the road to power isn’t guaranteed. The EFF walked away from the GNU talks in 2024 over the DA’s inclusion, and Malema remains firm on that point. Whether the ANC is prepared to dump the DA and pivot towards the EFF remains to be seen, especially with the ANC’s critical 2027 elective conference looming.
But if the ANC-DA alliance continues to crack, Malema’s bet might just pay off ushering the EFF into a powerful new chapter in South African politics.
