37 Boreholes Promised By EFF, But South Africans Want Answers About Who Really Owns Them

Eff Borehole Promise Raises Questions As Malema Faces Fresh Accountability Test

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have announced an ambitious plan to improve access to water in communities where the party secured ward victories in South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections. However, the proposal has already attracted questions about accountability, ownership and what could happen if the councillors involved leave the party.

EFF leader Julius Malema recently announced that the party intends to drill boreholes in all 37 wards it won during the elections, presenting the initiative as part of its commitment to improving service delivery and addressing challenges affecting ordinary residents.

The announcement has generated excitement among supporters, particularly in communities that have struggled with unreliable water supplies.

However, questions have emerged following Malema’s suggestion that the boreholes could be installed inside the properties of EFF ward councillors, with water subsequently made available to surrounding residents.

Although the proposal has been welcomed by some supporters, others believe that placing essential community infrastructure on an individual councillor’s property could create complications in the future.

One concern raised by residents revolves around what would happen if a councillor decided to leave the EFF, join another political party or otherwise vacate their position.

Would the borehole remain accessible to the community, or could residents potentially find themselves depending on the goodwill of someone who is no longer their elected representative?

The concern has sparked humorous reactions, with some questioning whether the community’s water supply could also become a casualty of political changes.

The issue highlights an important distinction between political promises and the long-term management of public infrastructure.

A borehole intended to serve an entire ward should ideally have clear ownership arrangements, transparent management structures and guaranteed public access, regardless of who occupies the councillor’s office.

Malema’s proposal forms part of a broader 100-day service-delivery commitment announced after the elections.

According to reports, the EFF leader estimated that individual boreholes could cost between R60,000 and R80,000, depending on the circumstances and installation requirements.

The party has also raised concerns about road infrastructure and other municipal service-delivery challenges affecting communities.

The EFF’s electoral performance provides important context for the announcement. According to the party’s provisional election figures, it increased its ward victories from 19 in 2021 to 37 in the 2026 elections.

However, the party also acknowledged losing more than 612,000 votes nationally compared with its previous electoral performance.

For residents, the most important consideration will ultimately be whether these promises translate into reliable services.

While installing boreholes could provide meaningful relief to communities experiencing water shortages, questions surrounding their ownership, maintenance, operating costs and accessibility will need clear answers.

Ultimately, residents should not have to worry about losing access to essential water infrastructure because of changes in political allegiance.

The EFF’s proposal has created expectations. The challenge now is ensuring that the promised boreholes become lasting community assets rather than infrastructure dependent on individual political representatives.

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