By Amahle Ngcobo
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) launched its KwaZulu-Natal manifesto ahead of the 4 November local government elections at the JL Dube Stadium in Inanda, north of Durban, on Saturday, 19 September.
The party’s manifesto focuses on improving water and electricity services, infrastructure development, job creation and addressing municipal debt.
EFF leader Julius Malema told supporters that the party would replace leaking water pipes instead of relying on temporary repairs.
“We are not asking them to put parts. We were asking them to replace the pipes so that there is no leakage of water,” said Malema.
The focus on water comes as eThekwini continues to face service-delivery challenges. The municipality recorded non-revenue water losses of 65% in June 2026 while dealing with a reported backlog of about 12,000 leaks.
Residents attending the launch said the manifesto addresses issues they experience in their communities.
Nyoniyezulu, a resident from Ward 44, said reliable water and electricity were among his community’s main concerns.
“Malema promised us that we will never face water problems. Electricity is also a problem, especially as December approaches because when it is disrupted, food in our fridges gets spoiled,” he said.
EFF member and eThekwini mayoral candidate Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi said the party would create more employment opportunities if elected.
She also raised concerns about water shortages, claiming that residents sometimes end up fighting amongst each other over water delivered by the municipal water tankers.
Another resident, Anele from Reservoir Hills Ward 29, said employment and education opportunities were important to her.
“I am fresh from school, and I have been applying for opportunities. I hope I can get help to find a job,” she said.
Mkhaliphi also promised to address problems with the municipality’s billing system and residents’ longstanding municipal debt.
