Latest news with #LocalGovernmentElections
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Liam Jacobs Defection: A Western Cape Political War Shaped by Identity and Media Optics
Patriotic Alliance leader and former Democratic Alliance MP Liam Jacobs. The defection of one young MP may not decide an election, but it signals a broader realignment, says the writer. Image: Patriotic Alliance/X Clyde N.S. Ramalaine On the eve of Youth Day 2025, South African politics was rocked by a bold defection: 24-year-old Member of Parliament Liam Jacobs, a rising figure in the Democratic Alliance (DA), appeared at midnight in a Patriotic Alliance (PA) livestream, announcing his move to the rival party. Once an outspoken parliamentary critic of PA leader Gayton McKenzie, Jacobs now stood beside him, clad in PA colours. This dramatic transition is more than political theatre; it signals a calculated realignment ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), revealing the shifting tactics that define contemporary South African party politics. The political adage, 'In politics there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests,' aptly frames this episode. Jacobs's move illustrates that in politics, loyalty and ideology often yield to strategic interest. Former rivals find common cause, not out of principle, but due to evolving objectives. This fluidity defines the realpolitik of South Africa's multiparty resignation was more than administrative; it was theatrical. Announced via livestream rather than a formal letter, his appearance alongside McKenzie was itself a declaration, bypassing bureaucratic convention for media spectacle. The DA, caught off guard, responded by pointing to protocol violations. But this only underscored its dissonance with the optics-driven nature of modern politics. In today's political climate, where perception reigns supreme, symbolic gestures often eclipse procedural norms. Granted, 'one swallow does not make a summer, nor does one fine day,' yet his defection marks a realignment rooted not only in tactical calculation but also in shared identity. Both Jacobs and McKenzie, according to democratic South Africa's state-led racial categorisation for its citizenry, are ascribed an identity marker of Coloured politicians, a fact powerfully symbolised. Their alignment taps into broader issues of racial representation and regional mobilisation, particularly within the Coloured electorate constituency of the Western Cape and Northern Cape. In South Africa, identity politics remain central to party identity and strategy. For the PA, Jacobs's defection is a double win: it adds youth credibility and simultaneously punctures the DA's image of generational renewal. Jacobs brings with him media savvy, a following among young voters, and a political narrative of personal conviction—assets that the PA will seek to deploy strategically. Conversely, the DA lost a youthful, dynamic figure who embodied its future-facing posture, weakening its appeal among younger Coloured voters. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Though seemingly personal, Jacobs's switch is also emblematic. The PA's timing, launching the announcement over Youth Day weekend, maximised symbolic impact. The message was clear: the PA is positioning itself not merely as an alternative but as a bold, rising contender capable of luring the best from its in South Africa, like elsewhere, is not merely policy-driven; it is strategic theatre. The PA's presentation of Jacobs's defection was a textbook example of narrative manipulation, media exploitation, and timing. The move was less about resigning from the DA and more about rebranding his political image. This act of political theatre was designed to win the optics war and shift public discourse in the PA's favour. Rather than a traditional press release, the livestream announcement created drama and spectacle. The calculated use of symbolism, party colours, and public display redefined the terrain of defection as performance. The timing was masterful—aligned with Youth Day, the moment resonated with generational symbolism and highlighted the PA's appeal to younger voters. Outmanoeuvring political opponents involves strategic deception, calculated exposure, and seizing narrative control. Jacobs's surprise appearance placed the DA on the defensive, enhancing the PA's image as a tactically agile force. This was more than recruitment; it was symbolic conquest. The PA not only gained a voice; it gained validation and attention. Such moves are not merely acts of addition but of transformation. They may shift voter psychology, attract floating constituencies, and redefine political branding. Politics, ultimately, is about winning, gaining ground, disrupting opponents, and capturing the public imagination. Jacobs's defection did all three. More than individual repositioning, Jacobs's crossover signals a broader strategy: expanding the PA's support base among Coloured voters, particularly the youth. The DA has historically dominated this demographic, especially in the Western Cape, where Coloured South Africans make up 42.1% of the population. At its height in 2014, the DA secured 59.4% of the provincial vote. By 2024, this dropped to 55.3%. The PA, which had no presence in 2014, secured 7.8% in 2024. If the PA increases its share to 15–20%, the DA's majority could collapse. While symbolic events don't guarantee electoral gains, they catalyse momentum. Jacobs's defection could accelerate shifts in allegiance among young and disenchanted voters. Jacobs embodies the very electorate the PA is targeting: young, urban, Coloured voters who feel increasingly alienated by the DA's leadership and messaging. His move could serve as a tipping point for similar realignments across constituencies where the DA is vulnerable. It can be argued that Jacobs's defection qualifies as a coup. It was timed for maximum effect, targeted at a key demographic, and delivered in a format tailored to 21st-century political engagement. In undermining the DA's claim to youth-driven leadership renewal, the PA scored a decisive symbolic Jacobs's history of publicly challenging McKenzie in Parliament adds to the drama.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Liam Jacobs Defection: A Western Cape Political War Shaped by Identity and Media Optics
Patriotic Alliance leader and former Democratic Alliance MP Liam Jacobs. The defection of one young MP may not decide an election, but it signals a broader realignment, says the writer. Image: Patriotic Alliance/X Clyde N.S. Ramalaine On the eve of Youth Day 2025, South African politics was rocked by a bold defection: 24-year-old Member of Parliament Liam Jacobs, a rising figure in the Democratic Alliance (DA), appeared at midnight in a Patriotic Alliance (PA) livestream, announcing his move to the rival party. Once an outspoken parliamentary critic of PA leader Gayton McKenzie, Jacobs now stood beside him, clad in PA colours. This dramatic transition is more than political theatre; it signals a calculated realignment ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), revealing the shifting tactics that define contemporary South African party politics. The political adage, 'In politics there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests,' aptly frames this episode. Jacobs's move illustrates that in politics, loyalty and ideology often yield to strategic interest. Former rivals find common cause, not out of principle, but due to evolving objectives. This fluidity defines the realpolitik of South Africa's multiparty resignation was more than administrative; it was theatrical. Announced via livestream rather than a formal letter, his appearance alongside McKenzie was itself a declaration, bypassing bureaucratic convention for media spectacle. The DA, caught off guard, responded by pointing to protocol violations. But this only underscored its dissonance with the optics-driven nature of modern politics. In today's political climate, where perception reigns supreme, symbolic gestures often eclipse procedural norms. Granted, 'one swallow does not make a summer, nor does one fine day,' yet his defection marks a realignment rooted not only in tactical calculation but also in shared identity. Both Jacobs and McKenzie, according to democratic South Africa's state-led racial categorisation for its citizenry, are ascribed an identity marker of Coloured politicians, a fact powerfully symbolised. Their alignment taps into broader issues of racial representation and regional mobilisation, particularly within the Coloured electorate constituency of the Western Cape and Northern Cape. In South Africa, identity politics remain central to party identity and strategy. For the PA, Jacobs's defection is a double win: it adds youth credibility and simultaneously punctures the DA's image of generational renewal. Jacobs brings with him media savvy, a following among young voters, and a political narrative of personal conviction—assets that the PA will seek to deploy strategically. Conversely, the DA lost a youthful, dynamic figure who embodied its future-facing posture, weakening its appeal among younger Coloured voters. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Though seemingly personal, Jacobs's switch is also emblematic. The PA's timing, launching the announcement over Youth Day weekend, maximised symbolic impact. The message was clear: the PA is positioning itself not merely as an alternative but as a bold, rising contender capable of luring the best from its in South Africa, like elsewhere, is not merely policy-driven; it is strategic theatre. The PA's presentation of Jacobs's defection was a textbook example of narrative manipulation, media exploitation, and timing. The move was less about resigning from the DA and more about rebranding his political image. This act of political theatre was designed to win the optics war and shift public discourse in the PA's favour. Rather than a traditional press release, the livestream announcement created drama and spectacle. The calculated use of symbolism, party colours, and public display redefined the terrain of defection as performance. The timing was masterful—aligned with Youth Day, the moment resonated with generational symbolism and highlighted the PA's appeal to younger voters. Outmanoeuvring political opponents involves strategic deception, calculated exposure, and seizing narrative control. Jacobs's surprise appearance placed the DA on the defensive, enhancing the PA's image as a tactically agile force. This was more than recruitment; it was symbolic conquest. The PA not only gained a voice; it gained validation and attention. Such moves are not merely acts of addition but of transformation. They may shift voter psychology, attract floating constituencies, and redefine political branding. Politics, ultimately, is about winning, gaining ground, disrupting opponents, and capturing the public imagination. Jacobs's defection did all three. More than individual repositioning, Jacobs's crossover signals a broader strategy: expanding the PA's support base among Coloured voters, particularly the youth. The DA has historically dominated this demographic, especially in the Western Cape, where Coloured South Africans make up 42.1% of the population. At its height in 2014, the DA secured 59.4% of the provincial vote. By 2024, this dropped to 55.3%. The PA, which had no presence in 2014, secured 7.8% in 2024. If the PA increases its share to 15–20%, the DA's majority could collapse. While symbolic events don't guarantee electoral gains, they catalyse momentum. Jacobs's defection could accelerate shifts in allegiance among young and disenchanted voters. Jacobs embodies the very electorate the PA is targeting: young, urban, Coloured voters who feel increasingly alienated by the DA's leadership and messaging. His move could serve as a tipping point for similar realignments across constituencies where the DA is vulnerable. It can be argued that Jacobs's defection qualifies as a coup. It was timed for maximum effect, targeted at a key demographic, and delivered in a format tailored to 21st-century political engagement. In undermining the DA's claim to youth-driven leadership renewal, the PA scored a decisive symbolic Jacobs's history of publicly challenging McKenzie in Parliament adds to the drama.
Otago Daily Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Mayoral candidate wants ticket to stand with him
A Waitaki district mayoral candidate hopes a candidate information night will be the push needed for like-minded residents to take the leap into local politics and join his campaign. Confirmed candidate David Wilson does not just want to be elected mayor of Waitaki. He says he wants a whole new majority of councillors too. "The mayor can't do it alone," he proclaimed in a full-page advertisement in the Oamaru Mail, last month. He is seeking candidates who share his desire for change in Waitaki District Council to join his electoral 'ticket'. "The search is going well," Mr Wilson said before next Tuesday's candidate information night. He is talking to six potential council candidates and hopes a group of "reform candidates" to stand for most of the 10 council seats will emerge before the nomination closing deadline of August 1. "It does no good for one or two councillors to be a lonely voice against bureaucratic errors. A determined majority has to set the policy, set the spending priorities, and demand follow-through. "Candidates won't agree on everything, and that's OK, but we need a strong council majority that has a completely new attitude towards rates, spending priorities, secrecy and the way to make Waitaki grow." Mr Wilson said councillors need to be setting policy not just "rubber-stamps". One of the biggest obstacles for the new council would be popular indifference, he said. "Many local residents have contacted me saying they do not believe local government can make a difference. "I do not subscribe to this theory. The council matters, and must be a community enabler and partner in key economic revitalisation initiatives." All potential mayoral, council, regional council, community board and Oamaru Licensing Trust candidates can attend the Waitaki District Council-run information briefing evening next Tuesday. Outgoing mayor Gary Kircher also encouraged people to attend. "It's an opportunity for people thinking of standing, to find out more about what is required, ranging from the commitment to the workload and responsibilities. "Hopefully, it will help bust some myths, and for some, be a reality check. While doing that, it's also about how to be effective in council and navigating the bureaucracy that is an inevitable part of being a highly regulated organisation." The event will be held at the Oamaru Opera House from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. It will involve an introduction from Waitaki District Council chief executive Alex Parmley, a presentation from Elections NZ about becoming a candidate, and representatives from Otago Regional Council, Waitaki District Council and the Oamaru Licensing Trust to answer questions about becoming an elected representative. Nominations for the upcoming 2025 Local Government Elections. open on July 4.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Helen Zille's mayoral ambitions in Johannesburg slammed by MK Party
DA's Federal chairperson, Helen Zille, said she was considering contesting the mayoral seat in Johannesburg ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers MK Party (MKP) has rejected Helen Zille's intention to be the next mayor of Johannesburg, saying they are more capable of rescuing the city and returning it to its former glory. The confidence stems from its performance in the 2024 national and provincial elections. This also included the recent by-election outcome. 'Let it be known that the MK Party stands ready and capable to rescue the City come the 2026 Local Government Elections,' MKP said in a statement. This comes after DA federal council chairperson, Zille, told IOL that she was considering contesting the mayoral seat in Johannesburg metro. This is ahead of the local government elections in 2026. MKP said it was nonsensical to consider the possibility of a Capetonian resident holding Mayoral capacity in a City that she is alien to. 'We call on the residents of Johannesburg, especially proud black people, to reject the propaganda that the DA does not see colour. As shown in the City of Cape Town, the DA's priorities tend to shift depending on the race of the residents. 'There are more than enough black candidates who can adequately fulfil the mayoral mandate in the City of Johannesburg,' the MK Party said. Additionally, in the build-up to the local government elections, the MK Party said it will share a credible plan on how to rebuild this once glorious but broken city. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, the party blamed the ANC-led government in the city, saying they should hang their heads in shame for emboldening a 'white supremacist' and giving her the confidence to believe that she can adequately run the city. 'It is vital for us to remind Zille and her cronies that the current state of disarray found in the City of Johannesburg is courteous of their absent Mayor Dada Morero, and has resulted in the City being brought to its knees,' the party said. Meanwhile, it was reported that the DA in Joburg was not moved by Zille's plan to run for mayor. ActionSA was skeptical about Zille running for the mayoral seat while she was in another province. IOL Politics
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
NFP says it will strengthen party unity for upcoming elections, after court ruling
The new National Freedom Party leadership was elected in December 2023 at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban. Image: Facebook The National Freedom Party (NFP) has called on its members to unite in rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. This comes after the Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed the main application and review application in which some NFP members sought an order declaring the national elective conference of the party, held in Durban from 15 to 17 December 2023, and its decisions and resolutions, including the election of office bearers, unlawful and invalid. The applicants also sought a costs order against the respondents, jointly and severally. Nhlanhla Thwala brought a review application within the main application. He sought an order that the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) made on February 26, 2024, accepting the leadership of the NFP elected at the 2023 conference be reviewed and set aside; that the National Executive Committee be directed to facilitate and hold an elective conference of the NFP within a reasonable time, but no later than six months from the date of the order, and that the costs of the review application be paid by those respondents who oppose the review application, jointly and severally. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Reacting in a statement, the NFP said the actions of a senior member, along with his supporters, sought to prevent the NFP from contesting the 2024 National Elections, severely compromising the party's funding and overall stability. It said the divisions extended to party structures and caused deployees and councillors to rebel against elected leadership. Such disruptions hindered the party's election campaign efforts, leading to underperformance. 'Despite these challenges, the unity and reconciliation of the NFP remain paramount. It is unequivocally clear that the NEC, under the leadership of President Ivan Rowan Barnes, and all structures established after the 2023 December NFP Elective National conference, are legitimate and fully authorised to lead the party,' the statement read. 'All members, deployees, and councillors are urged to embrace unity, realignment, and the guiding principles of the NFP constitution.' 'The NFP now calls on all members, including those involved in the legal proceedings, to join efforts in rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections,' the statement continued. It said founder Zanele ka-Magwaza-Msibi's legacy and vision of the party must drive their commitment to move forward, ensuring that the NFP is no longer entangled in legal disputes but focused on serving the people. The order and judgment stated that the dispute amounts to a power struggle between NFP members. 'Those members who are bitter about the outcome of the 2023 conference elected to approach the court to vent their dissatisfaction. The long-standing rifts must heal in time. A costs order might make the healing process difficult. Ordinarily, costs must follow the outcome. However, in the interest of reconciliation, I make no order as to costs,' the order and judgment read. According to the order, the main and review applications are dismissed. Additionally, there is no order as to costs.
