Political analysts are of the view that Liam Jacob’s move to the Patriotic Alliance has been driven by identity politics 

Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela told IOL News that Jacobs’s sudden switch may have been influenced by Gayton McKenzie and Ashley Sauls, who have long advocated for unity among Coloured political voices under the PA banner.

“This seems like a move driven by identity politics,” Ntombela said. 

“I think they sold him the idea of unifying Coloured people under a Coloured-led party, and of course, they praised his feistiness and boldness.”

Jacobs, who served on the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, announced his defection during a Facebook Live stream hosted by McKenzie on June 13. 

In the broadcast, Jacobs referred to McKenzie as “father” and expressed excitement about his new political home.

“I am finally free. The fight for truth, accountability, and justice continues! I am finally home. Thank you, people. Thank you! And a big thank you to Pres McKenzie and all the patriots who welcomed me with open arms and love,” Jacobs wrote on social media.

Despite the very public nature of his defection, DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau told IOL News on Tuesday that the party had not yet received an official resignation letter from Jacobs.

“The DA hasn’t received a resignation letter from Liam. Our constitution, however, dictates that should one be found promoting another political party, their membership is terminated immediately,” Khakhau said.

”This has happened, and the speaker of Parliament has been informed that he is no longer a member of the DA and therefore no longer a DA MP.”

Khakhau dismissed allegations from Jacobs and the PA that he was “used” by the DA to undermine the PA while serving in the portfolio committee.

“The nature of political party representation is that public representatives are deployed to serve in certain fields for strategic purposes. The DA believed that serving in the sports portfolio was aligned with his strengths,” Khakhau said. 

“There’s nothing wrong with that. In the same way that the party believes that serving in the Higher Education Portfolio Committee is aligned with my strengths and best serves the objectives of the party.”

She also refuted allegations that the DA had failed to adequately represent Coloured communities within the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU).

“Liam himself is Coloured, and the DA gave him the opportunity to serve as an MP at 24. There are many other Coloured leaders in the DA – Coloured provincial ministers, provincial leaders. There is just no such lack of representation,” she said.

However, analyst Ntombela said Jacobs’ move does not appear to have caused internal tension within the DA and may even have tacit approval from within the party structure.

“I do not think it affects the DA’s image because, to me, it seems like he has the blessing of the party,” he said. 

“The DA constitution does allow dual membership so long as the member is granted permission by the Federal Council.

“A member or category of members of the party may also be a member or members of another party or parties approved by the Federal Council for the period and on conditions determined by the Federal Council.

“If that is the case, there will be no ructions in the DA,” Ntombela added.

Even though there have been mixed reactions to Jabos’ move, Ntombela believes he will likely remain a relevant political figure.

“If this move is choreographed, as it looks like at the moment, Liam will always have a home in the DA,” he said. 

“Even if that’s not the case, Liam has moved from one party to another before and managed to survive. I think he will survive within the PA, even from without.”

Khakhau confirmed to IOL News that Jacobs is no longer the party’s MP, including part of the portfolio committee.

“His membership has been terminated. So, he is no longer a member of the DA. Therefore, he is no longer a member of Parliament for the DA.”

“The DA in Gauteng will decide who is next on the list to come to parliament to fill his vacancy. The decision will come to FedEx for a final decision.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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