MBOMBELA, Monday 19 October 2026 — Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president and Mbombela mayoral candidate Godrich Gardee has identified the African National Congress (ANC) as his party’s preferred potential coalition partner in the municipality, while ruling out agreements with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus.
Speaking to Jacaranda FM Newswatch ahead of the 4 November local government elections, Gardee said the EFF was prepared to enter coalition arrangements but would not compromise on its positions concerning municipal service delivery and the outsourcing of public services.
His comments provide an indication of the EFF’s preferred post-election arrangements in Mbombela, where several established parties and newer political formations are competing for control of the council.
Gardee identifies potential coalition partners
Gardee said the ANC would be the most likely party for the EFF to approach if coalition negotiations became necessary after the elections.
He explicitly excluded the DA and Freedom Front Plus from consideration.
The EFF deputy president said any coalition agreement would need to prioritise governance and service delivery rather than the distribution of political positions.
He also indicated that the party would oppose arrangements involving the privatisation of municipal water services or the outsourcing of municipal employment.
The position does not establish that negotiations have taken place or that an agreement has been reached with the ANC.
Any coalition arrangement would depend on the election results and the number of council seats secured by participating parties.
Water infrastructure central to campaign
Gardee identified unreliable water supply and dependence on water tankers as major challenges facing Mbombela residents.
He proposed that the municipality purchase its own borehole-drilling equipment and train municipal employees to operate it.
The initiative would aim to provide communities with an alternative water source while longer-term bulk water infrastructure projects are developed.
Gardee acknowledged that water obtained from some boreholes might not be suitable for drinking but said it could potentially support other household activities.
He argued that the municipality should develop its own operational capacity rather than depend extensively on private contractors.
The proposals would require technical assessments, funding and appropriate water-quality safeguards before implementation.
Water tanker expenditure under scrutiny
Municipal spending on water tankers has become a political issue in Mbombela.
Earlier this month, the Freedom Front Plus disclosed information from a municipal document indicating that more than R16.5 million had been budgeted for water tankers between October and December 2026.
The party said the document identified 46 water tanker entries, with only three involving municipal vehicles and the remainder supplied by contractors.
The Freedom Front Plus has also criticised municipal charges imposed on certain privately owned boreholes.
Gardee separately claimed that Mbombela’s annual expenditure on water tankers exceeded R100 million.
That figure has not been independently established by the information reviewed, and the municipality’s full annual expenditure would need to be verified against its financial records.
Both parties have argued for greater investment in permanent water infrastructure, although they differ substantially on broader economic and political policies.
EFF outlines approach to investment
Gardee said reliable municipal infrastructure would be essential to attracting investment and creating employment.
He identified functioning roads, consistent electricity and water supplies, effective waste removal and clean public spaces as important requirements for businesses.
He acknowledged that some investors might be reluctant to operate under an EFF-led municipality because of disagreements with the party’s political and economic positions.
Nevertheless, he argued that improving basic municipal services could encourage investment, particularly in tourism and other local economic activities.
Gardee also proposed establishing a municipal law enforcement agency to strengthen crime prevention and public safety.
He said immigration enforcement remained primarily a national government responsibility and argued that municipal resources should be concentrated on services within local government’s mandate.
Mbombela faces competitive election
Gardee is among several prominent candidates contesting the mayoral position in Mbombela.
Other contenders include former ANC provincial treasurer Mandla Msibi, who is representing the Service Delivery Party, and candidates from the DA and Freedom Front Plus.
The municipality faces longstanding concerns about water provision, infrastructure maintenance, financial management and service delivery.
The EFF’s coalition position could become significant if no party secures an outright council majority.
However, the party’s ability to influence the formation of the next municipal government will depend on its electoral performance and the willingness of other parties to negotiate.
With voting scheduled for 4 November, the election will determine whether the EFF is positioned to pursue its preferred arrangement with the ANC or remains in opposition.
