The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lost its ruling majority in the George Municipality following the shock resignation of two senior ward councillors, who have defected to the Patriotic Alliance (PA). The move threatens to destabilize the political landscape in a town long considered a DA stronghold in the Western Cape.
The two councillors, who held key portfolios on the Mayoral Committee and were seen as close allies of Mayor Leon van Wyk, have not been officially named by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). However, their departure has triggered two by-elections that could dramatically alter the balance of power.
A senior DA source within the province acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “It threatens our majority and invites instability in the coalition.” The DA had previously held a one-seat majority in the council, and the resignations now force the party to either negotiate new power-sharing arrangements or attempt to govern as a minority administration.
The Patriotic Alliance, led by Gayton McKenzie, has celebrated the defections as a sign of its growing influence. Kenny Kunene, the party’s deputy president, declared, “This is the beginning of realignment in local politics… We are constructing a political organisation that stands for the common man, not the privileged few.”
Political analysts suggest this event could be a warning sign for the DA ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Professor Steven Friedman commented, “The George fallout highlights the DA’s growing vulnerability in mixed coalitions,” pointing to a shift in voter loyalties that smaller parties are adept at exploiting. The George Municipality has yet to issue a formal statement on how the resignations will affect council operations.