Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Says EFF Should Be Left Out of Possible Johannesburg Coalition

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has questioned the possibility of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) being included in a future coalition arrangement in Johannesburg, describing the party’s conduct as rude, arrogant and disrespectful.

Her comments followed a statement by EFF Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe, who praised the coalition previously formed between ActionSA, the African National Congress (ANC) and the EFF in Tshwane.

Kobe described the arrangement as the most successful coalition in South African political history and used it to challenge arguments that a Democratic Alliance (DA)-led coalition would necessarily deliver better results for Johannesburg.

She urged those promoting a DA-led administration in the City of Johannesburg to consider the Tshwane experience before dismissing the possibility of alternative coalition partnerships.

However, Jacinta responded by suggesting that the EFF should be excluded from any potential coalition arrangement. While she did not dismiss the idea of cooperation between political parties, she made it clear that she had reservations about working with the red berets.

In her response, Jacinta described EFF members as rude, arrogant and disrespectful, arguing that their behaviour made them difficult coalition partners. She also made a dismissive remark about the party, suggesting that it had little to offer beyond Zizipho.

Her reaction adds to the ongoing debate about coalition politics in South Africa, particularly as parties consider possible partnerships following the 2026 local government elections.

Johannesburg remains an important political battleground, with different organisations seeking to influence the city’s administration and determine which parties should work together to secure control of the municipality.

The debate has also highlighted the complicated relationships between parties that have previously shared power. ActionSA, the ANC and the EFF have experience working together in Tshwane, but that does not necessarily mean the same arrangement would be acceptable to all political actors in Johannesburg.

Kobe’s comments focused on the experience of the Tshwane coalition as an argument against assuming that a DA-led arrangement would automatically be preferable. Jacinta, meanwhile, shifted attention to the EFF’s conduct and whether the party should be part of future coalition discussions.

Her response makes clear that, despite the argument for cooperation raised by Kobe, she would prefer an arrangement that excludes the EFF.

https://x.com/JacintaNgobese/status/2119843356566331502

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