Malema: EFF prepared to cut ties with ANC over Gauteng metro coalitions

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has warned that it may withdraw from its partnership with the African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng metros, claiming the party is being exploited.

The two parties had been running Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni through coalition arrangements.

The EFF said it would no longer support the appointment of ANC mayors unless the ANC agreed to back an EFF candidate.

Speaking at the party’s plenum in Boksburg on Friday, EFF leader Julius Malema said the party was prepared to cut ties with the ANC.

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Malema said his party would no longer accept being treated as a backbencher, adding that the ANC could not continue making demands as though it still held a majority.

"The days where the EFF supports other organisations to have mayors have come to an end. We will field mayors and anyone who wants to negotiate with the EFF must know that the EFF wants mayorship," said Malema.

He said the EFF was fed up with being taken advantage of and getting nothing in return.

"They think they can treat the EFF like dirt and do as they please with us, especially in Ekurhuleni, and very soon they will reap the consequences of their disrespect and disregard for the EFF. Those who are close to them, go and tell them that they will be learning a lesson very soon that the EFF is not to be disrespected," he said.

In Tshwane, Joburg and Ekurhuleni, the ANC needed the EFF’s vote to remain in government.