EFF says the DA uses deceptive strategies to pacify resistance and return South Africa to white rule

EFF Deputy President Godrich Gardee said the DA uses deceptive strategies and superficial dialogue to pacify resistance and return South Africa to white rule.

He shared this information in response to comments from national chairperson Gwede Mantashe that the 2026 election results were a catastrophe for the ANC.

“We dropped from 45% to about 30%, which is a 15% decline. When you characterise a 15% decline as catastrophic, it’s correct,” he said.

He blamed the fragmentation of the black voter base, saying the multitude of black parties split the black vote.

“We have 520 political parties that contested the 2026 local government elections. Almost all of the 520 parties, besides 3 or 4, are black parties,” he said.

“The reality is that so many parties dilute and weaken the black vote and its influence. The white vote consolidates whilst the black vote fragments.”

Gardee responded to Mantashe’s comments, saying that the EFF warned long ago that liberation movements rarely remain in power after 30 years.

“Once they enter a state of decline, they never recover lost ground. The ANC chose to ignore this reality,” he said.

“During the height of his political arrogance, Gwede Mantashe rejected the very progressive ideas and unity he now attempts to champion.”

He added that history offers South Africa a clear warning about the situation which is now unfolding.

“The apartheid regime prolonged white minority rule for three decades by relying on deceptive strategies and superficial dialogue to pacify resistance,” he said.

He added that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is now doing the same to return South Africa to white rule.

Godrich Gardee said the ANC should champion fighting for black people

Gardee said that the ANC should consider convening the first South Africa All-African People’s Conference (SAAAPCO).

He warned that should the ANC fail to provide this decisive leadership, the EFF stands ready to take up the mantle and convene it themselves.

He cited the recent ‘Council of the Left’ event, organised by the South African Communist Party.

This council included left parties such as the South African Communist Party (SACP), uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), and the EFF.

It also includes smaller parties, such as the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), the Afrika Mayibuye Movement and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC).

The council promoted coalitions which adopt a pro-poor programme, reverse apartheid spatial planning, and prioritise basic service delivery for the poor.

SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila urged black parties to work together to prevent the DA and the Freedom Front from governing.

It added that it will only support the ANC in hung municipalities if it cuts ties with right-wing parties in local governments and the Government of National Unity (GNU).

“South Africa cannot afford empty political posturing. It requires genuine, radical action to advance the total emancipation of African people,” Gardee said.

He added that the engagements between the EFF and the ANC, headed by secretary general Fikile Mbalula, were an opportunity not to be missed.

“This is an opportunity to consolidate MKP, SACP, EFF and the African Voice for total emancipation of the blacks in general and Africans in particular,” he said.