Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Liam Jacobs announced his switch to the Patriotic Alliance (PA) on Friday, June 13th, during a Facebook Live broadcast hosted by PA leader and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie.
The 24-year-old parliamentarian appeared on camera during the livestream, declaring his allegiance to the PA and referring to McKenzie as a “father figure.” Jacobs described his move as a return “home,” signaling a sharp political shift.
Jacobs had not formally resigned from the DA, but party officials said he informed North West leader Joe Mcgluwa of his departure. The DA has not responded publicly.
The defection comes shortly after Jacobs publicly confronted McKenzie in a parliamentary committee meeting regarding the appointment of Eugene Botha, a PA member, as chair of the National Arts Council. Jacobs raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, which McKenzie dismissed as a politically motivated attack.
In a statement following his departure, Jacobs claimed his previous criticism of the PA was influenced by party pressure within the DA. “I knew I was being used,” he said, adding that McKenzie’s response during the committee meeting prompted his decision to leave.
The PA welcomed Jacobs and accused the DA of using Coloured leaders to target the party, yet failing to include them in meaningful leadership roles. The PA highlighted that the DA had not appointed any Coloured ministers or deputy ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU), despite its strong support from Coloured voters, particularly in the Western Cape. Both McKenzie and Jacobs, who identify as Coloured, said this reflects the DA’s disregard for the communities that have long backed it.
Jacobs denied being promised any role in return for his defection, stating he was motivated by the opportunity to join what he called “the fastest-growing party in South Africa.”
PA leadership framed the move as evidence of growing momentum. McKenzie praised Jacobs as part of a new wave of leadership within the party.
