Johannesburg – The EFF’s policies of land reform and elimination of national borders within southern Africa will boost youth support for the party, according to a survey released on Tuesday.

Thirty-eight percent of respondents believed Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, would gain support because of its policies, according to research conducted by Pondering Panda.

Twenty-nine percent believed he would lose support and 18% believed his support base would not change.

Fifteen percent did not have an opinion on the matter.

The cellphone survey was conducted among 2 339 people aged between 18 and 34.

However, 49% of respondents did not support the EFF’s land reform policy, while 37% did.

According to the survey, 42% of young blacks approved of land reform.

Support for the policy was also strongest in the Free State, with 56% of respondents approving it.

On the elimination of borders, 32% approved, while 54% disapproved.

“Although opposition to the EFF’s land and border reform policies still significantly outweighs support for them, what this survey shows us is that they are far from marginal ideas,” Pondering Panda spokesperson Shirley Wakefield said.

“Young South Africans want change, and other parties should look carefully at the alternatives they will be offering them.”

– SAPA