EFF leader Julius Malema has revealed that the African National Congress (ANC) approached his party with a request to abstain from a critical budget vote in Parliament—an admission that sheds light on the fragile state of the ANC’s control over legislative processes.
Speaking to supporters and the media, Malema said the ANC was unable to secure the necessary numbers to pass the budget on its own and quietly turned to the EFF for assistance—not through support, but through silence.
“In that picture, what you’re seeing is the ANC begging us not to vote against the budget,” Malema explained. “They asked us to abstain so they could get the numbers. They needed our silence, not our support.”
This disclosure adds another layer to the evolving political drama in South Africa, where the ANC—long dominant in Parliament—is now grappling with waning support and growing reliance on opposition parties to push through key legislation.
The EFF’s decision to publicize the ANC’s behind-the-scenes plea puts further pressure on the ruling party, exposing its vulnerability and reinforcing the message that no party can govern alone under the current political landscape.
Malema’s comments also suggest the EFF holds increasing influence in Parliament, able to sway or stall crucial government decisions depending on how it chooses to vote—or not vote.
The ANC has not yet responded to Malema’s remarks, but the revelation is likely to fuel further debate about the stability and legitimacy of the current government and the role of opposition parties in shaping policy outcomes.
