Former DA MP and Patriotic Alliance councillor Liam Jacobs is set to return to the Democratic Alliance less than a year after his dramatic defection to the PA in June 2025. Image: Geordin Hill-Lewis
Liam Jacobs has returned to the Democratic Alliance. The DA Western Cape confirmed the news on X. Furthermore, DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis posted a picture on Instagram welcoming Jacobs back. This Liam Jacobs DA return is one of the most dramatic political reversals ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The Liam Jacobs DA Return Confirmed
Jacobs left the DA in June 2025 in a highly publicised defection. He appeared on a late-night Facebook Live hosted by PA leader Gayton McKenzie. He described McKenzie as a father figure. Furthermore, he accused the DA of using him as a political tool. However, less than a year later, he is back.
The DA Western Cape announced the return on X. DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis personally welcomed Jacobs back on Instagram. As a result, the return is now officially confirmed at the highest level of the party.
What Jacobs Did at the PA
Jacobs received several appointments during his time at the PA. He replaced Kenny Kunene as a Johannesburg City councillor after Kunene resigned. Furthermore, McKenzie named him as the PA’s mayoral candidate for Cape Town. He also served as president of the Patriotic Youth Alliance.
However, his tenure was not without turbulence. Questions arose about his readiness for senior roles. The PA’s internal dynamics also became increasingly complicated. As a result, his departure is a significant blow to the party ahead of November’s elections.
Why the Timing Matters
The 2026 local government elections take place on 4 November 2026. Therefore, Jacobs’ return gives the DA a high-profile young Coloured politician at exactly the right moment. The party needs to consolidate support in the Western Cape and Cape Town specifically.
When Jacobs left in 2025, he argued the DA had failed to include Coloured leaders meaningfully. His return raises questions about whether those concerns have been addressed. Nevertheless, the DA has welcomed him back at the highest level without hesitation.
Gayton McKenzie had not publicly responded to the confirmed return at the time of publication.
Who Is Liam Jacobs
Liam Chad Jacobs was born on 3 March 2001 in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. He holds an honours degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pretoria. He led the Democratic Alliance Students Organisation before entering Parliament. Furthermore, he was elected to the National Assembly for Gauteng in the 2024 general elections.
He is 25 years old. He has served in three political parties. These include the ANC briefly in 2021, the DA from 2022 to 2025 and the PA from June 2025 to May 2026. His journey has been extraordinary. He is now one of the most watched young politicians in South Africa.
For more on South African political developments visit da.org.za.
Read our earlier coverage: Zuma Orders Ndhlela Suspended as MK Party Power Struggle Spills Into the Open.
Editors Note Liam Jacobs’ return to the DA was confirmed by the DA Western Cape on X and by DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis on Instagram. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.