Liam Jacobs quits DA, joins Patriotic Alliance

In a political move that’s got tongues wagging from Cape Town to Eldos, a 24-year-old Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Liam Jacobs has dropped a bombshell—he ditched the DA and joined the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

This unexpected move has significant implications for the DA’s growth with the coloured vote going into the local government elections.

This isn’t just another floor-crossing. Jacobs, once hailed as the DA’s rising star and the “voice of the coloured youth”, made his big switch during a late-night Facebook Live hosted by none other than PA leader and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

The DA has confirmed that Liam Jacobs is no longer a Member of Parliament (MP) following his recent defection to the PA. This confirmation came in response to questions regarding Jacobs’ resignation and status within the party.

DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said: “The DA hasn’t received a resignation letter from Liam. Our constitution, however, dictates that should one be found promoting another political party, their membership is terminated immediately.

Who is Liam Jacobs?

Liam Jacobs isn’t just any defector. The young MP made headlines when he entered Parliament as one of the DA’s youngest members, known for his strong presence in coloured communities and his no-nonsense attitude.

Born and raised in Mitchells Plain, Jacobs became politically active through community outreach programmes and youth leadership structures in the Cape Flats. He quickly climbed the ranks, earning respect for his fiery speeches and grassroots work.

Inside the DA, he was seen as the future—especially in the party’s strategy to maintain dominance in the Western Cape. But cracks started showing when Jacobs became vocal about what he called the DA’s “disconnect” from coloured working-class communities.

A Strategic Blow to the DA?

For years, the DA has counted on coloured communities to keep control in the Western Cape, especially in metros like Cape Town. Jacobs’ departure could signal deeper fractures and give the PA more credibility among young, politically-conscious voters in townships and informal settlements.