In a dramatic exit, outspoken Member of Parliament Ghaleb Cachalia has resigned from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and parliament, citing irreconcilable differences over the party’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The controversy escalated when Cachalia expressed support for Palestinians in a tweet last October, leading to his removal from the DA’s shadow cabinet by leader John Steenhuisen.
Cachalia, in his resignation letter revealed by TimesLIVE, outlined how his relationship with the party deteriorated after the contentious tweet. He claimed that the DA leadership became increasingly uncomfortable with his public stance on the war in Gaza, leading to his dismissal from the shadow cabinet.
The former DA MP accused the party of accusing him of contradicting official policy and violating caucus directives. He argued that he had not been provided with any documented policy on the matter, pointing to a growing dysfunctional and undemocratic trend within the party. Cachalia expressed concern about the party’s perceived shift to the right, moving away from centrist liberal values.
The DA, through national spokesperson Solly Malatsi, firmly rejected Cachalia’s claims, describing them as manufactured justifications for his resignation. Malatsi emphasized the party’s commitment to peace, a two-state solution, and the creation of a sovereign Palestine alongside a secure Israel. The party accepted Cachalia’s resignation, dismissing any notions of policy contradiction.
Cachalia, however, insisted that his departure was rooted in his commitment to the principles he joined the party for eight years ago. He highlighted the importance of transparent communication between constituents and elected representatives while preserving the principle of freedom of speech.
As Ghaleb Cachalia’s departure sends shockwaves through the DA, questions arise about the party’s internal cohesion and its ability to navigate ideological differences. The incident sheds light on the challenges parties face in managing diverse perspectives within their ranks, especially on sensitive international issues.