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Democratic Alliance (DA) press conference.
Two Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward Councilors from George in the Western Cape – both serving on the Mayoral Committee – have resigned to join the Patriotic Alliance. Their move not only triggers two by-elections in the coming months, but also strips the DA of its majority in council.
The Democratic Alliance now holds 25 seats in the 53-seat council. With support from its coalition partner, the ACDP, the party can count on 26 votes, two short of a majority.
“The decision that I made is to be with our people. You can see my people in the back. To be with our Khoi and coloured people and to make sure they’ve got a voice in the Western Cape, George and in the whole of Ssouth Africa,” says Brendon Adams, Former DA councillor.
Adams says his decision was not about money, but about giving a voice to marginalised communities.
“Yesterday, I read messages of the 30 silver coins thing, the judas thing and all of that nonsense. And I said no, my journey is to represent the Khoi people. I didn’t get any money. Interestingly enough, Marchelle, his money was stopped, but because of the lawyer’s letters, his payment went through yesterday. So, he got his last salary. He was also MMC in the DA, just like I was MMC in the DA,” Adams explains.
The DA says it remains focused on service delivery despite the political shake-up.
“On behalf of the DA East Region and Executive Committee, we’d like to wish the two former DA councillors well on their new journey. The DA remains committed to serving the residents of George,” says Venolea Fortuin, DA East Region Chairperson.
Whether the DA can regain its majority or whether the Patriotic Alliance will continue its rise will be decided at the polls.
Video: Western Cape councillors leave DA for Patriotic Alliance
