Julius Malema Points Finger At Common Enemies As He Begs ANC, MK Party & SACP To Stop Fighting

In order to combat what he terms their common enemies, Julius Malema has called on the ANC to mend fences with the EFF, the MK Party, and the SACP. Paul Mashia shared a video in which Malema discusses these gatherings in a way befitting a distant relative, rather than a sour rival.

No one of these factions is an outsider to the ANC or its allies. Following his expulsion from the ANC Youth League and the party in 2012, Malema established the EFF. Following his split from the ANC leadership in late 2023, Jacob Zuma established the MK Party. Despite being vocally critical of the ANC’s economic policies and corruption fighting efforts, the South African Communist Party has remained a member of the tripartite alliance alongside the ANC and COSATU since 1994. An old political theory in South African politics is brought back to life by Malema’s message: the liberation movement would have been much more effective if its dispersed elements had united again.

Time is a tricky factor. Many provinces saw ANC losses in the 2026 local elections, with MK Party gains being most pronounced in KwaZulu-Natal. The party anticipated problems, as Mbalula had previously acknowledged. Deep personal and political divides, such as the long-running rivalry between Zuma’s supporters and the ANC, would have to be overcome in order to move toward the MK Party or the EFF.

For analysts, there are two possible interpretations of the call. Perhaps Malema’s goal is to revive the movement as a whole. It might also be a calculated political move to re-establish the EFF’s credibility as an ideal ANC ally in the event of a future deal. Malema has consistently positioned himself as an opponent of the ANC leadership while asserting his support for the party’s original principles, so his statements can be interpreted in either way.

The real concern for average voters is whether a merger would alter the management of provincial and municipal governments. During a campaign, an alliance formed to counter a common enemy can stay together, but when it comes time to manage funds and provide services, it usually falls apart. Wherever these parties vie for control, locals will be watching to see if the unity rhetoric actually results in action.

There are deeper concerns regarding the alliance itself that this idea brings up. Any reconciliation would be contingent upon the ANC’s willingness to alter its economic strategy and the role it assigns to its partners; the SACP has stated its desire to re-establish the tripartite partnership on different conditions. The discussions will continue well beyond the current election.

Not a deal yet, but an opening move. That’s what Malema’s call is. If the leaders of the ANC, MK Party, EFF, and SACP can put aside their differences and work together, the idea will have a fighting chance in the coming years, but that depends on whether or not voters support it.

Is this another election-season ploy that will fail when the votes are tallied, or can you have faith in these parties to collaborate once more?