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Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) believes that the EFF is headed for a tough election in 2026, largely due to internal divisions that could affect their electoral prospects.<\/span><\/p>\n In an interview on SMWX with Sizwe-Walsh Mpofu, McKenzie shared his perspective on the challenges facing the EFF under Julius Malema’s leadership, especially as the party navigates a difficult path ahead. <\/span><\/p>\n This comes after<\/span> long-time deputy president<\/span> Floyd Shivambu left to join the MK Party in August. <\/span>Shivambu\u2019s resignation shook the party, along with high profile departures including the likes of Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Mzwanele Manyi and Dali Mpofu.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe EFF is going to have a rough election in 2026,\u201d McKenzie said. <\/span><\/p>\n He explained that Malema now faces the challenge of identifying who remains loyal and who is working against him within the party.<\/span><\/p>\n McKenzie attributes some of this discord to the influence of Shivambu, whose actions have left behind \u201csleepers\u201d in the party, individuals who could cause further instability.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite these hurdles, McKenzie remains optimistic about Malema\u2019s intelligence and adaptability. While the next election cycle might be tough, McKenzie suggests that Malema will eventually be able to turn the party’s fortunes around, though it will take time.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhat hurts him now will not kill him, but will hurt him badly in the next election,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n In the long run, McKenzie believes that Malema’s political savvy will allow the EFF to regain strength, but it won’t happen overnight. He predicts that the EFF’s recovery will be gradual, with significant improvements becoming evident around 2028.<\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, McKenzie said the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains intact despite internal tension. Addressing concerns over the coalition’s stability, McKenzie said, \u201cSouth Africa will never forgive any party that collapses the GNU. Every party knows that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He emphasised that while internal disagreements exist, unity is maintained by a shared opposition to forces outside the GNU.<\/span><\/p>\n McKenzie provided insights into the dynamics within the GNU, explaining that political affiliations dissolve inside cabinet discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cInside there, there’s no ANC, DA, IFP, PA, UDM, PAC, Rise, or whatever. There’s none of that,\u201d he said, crediting President Cyril Ramaphosa as the \u201cglue\u201d holding the coalition together. However, he criticised its indecisiveness, noting, \u201cI think they sometimes take too long to act decisively”.<\/span><\/p>\n McKenzie also outlined his ministerial priorities, highlighting efforts to promote car spinning as a major sport and securing Formula 1 for South Africa by 2027.<\/span><\/p>\n If I don\u2019t get the F1, I\u2019ll be the biggest failure,\u201d he said, underscoring his determination. <\/span><\/p>\n He framed these initiatives as key economic drivers, stating, \u201cThe F1 is not about cars. It\u2019s about real estate, showcasing your country, tourism, and the business of sport.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Politics<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) believes that the EFF is headed for a tough election in 2026, largely due to internal divisions that could affect their electoral prospects. In an interview on SMWX with Sizwe-Walsh Mpofu, McKenzie shared his perspective on the challenges facing the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[17654,444,3807,1490,9587,16284,17402,963,3778,964,8199,16370,1170,2468],"class_list":["post-231485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-politics","tag-039what","tag-ahead","tag-eff","tag-elections","tag-gayton","tag-him039","tag-hurts","tag-julius","tag-kill","tag-malema","tag-mckenzie","tag-predicts","tag-times","tag-tough"],"yoast_head":"\n