Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has dramatically reversed his position on the Democratic Alliance (DA), declaring the opposition party expendable in South Africa’s evolving political landscape after previously advocating for its inclusion in coalitions.
The firebrand politician took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his changed perspective:
“Five minutes before this hearing, I was begging people: ‘We can’t lose the DA, we must convince them to stay.’ Today I stand here to say: Abahambe [Let them go].”
McKenzie’s blunt statement – coming amid heated coalition negotiations across multiple municipalities – reflects growing frustration with the DA’s political approach. While not specifying what triggered his reversal, the comment aligns with increasing tensions between the DA and smaller parties in power-sharing arrangements.
The declaration sparked immediate reaction online, with one user echoing: “Everyone is tired of the DA” – suggesting McKenzie’s sentiment resonates with broader political fatigue toward the official opposition.
Political analysts view this as a significant shift, as the PA had previously positioned itself as a potential bridge between the DA and radical parties like the EFF in hung councils. The DA’s insistence on certain governance principles has frequently clashed with smaller parties’ demands in coalition talks.
“This isn’t just about the PA – it signals that smaller parties may be recalculating whether the DA’s participation is essential for stable coalitions,” said political analyst Lebohang Mokoena. “The calculus appears to be changing, especially in metros where alternative alliances could bypass the DA altogether.”
The development comes as multiple municipalities face potential coalition reshuffles, with the DA having recently lost control of Johannesburg and other key metros. McKenzie’s statement suggests the PA may now pursue partnerships excluding the DA, potentially altering South Africa’s local government power dynamics.
As coalition politics enter a more volatile phase, McKenzie’s “Abahambe” pronouncement could mark a turning point in how smaller parties engage – or disengage – with South Africa’s second-largest political party.
