In the ever-dramatic world of South African politics, unexpected party switches aren’t exactly unheard of—but Liam Jacobs’ sudden exit from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and leap to the Patriotic Alliance (PA) still raised plenty of eyebrows.
And now, one of the DA’s most prominent figures, Helen Zille, has finally spoken out.
Helen Zille Breaks Her Silence
Helen Zille, the DA’s Federal Council Chair and former leader of the party, addressed Jacobs’ defection this week during an interview with EWN.
And rather than respond with anger or frustration, Zille took a surprisingly measured and reflective tone.
“I actually like Liam,” she said. “We got along well. I don’t feel the need to bash him.”
According to Zille, these kinds of political moves come with the territory.
“Politics isn’t for the faint-hearted,” she explained.
“You’ll get knocked around from all sides, but that’s part of the deal. You’ve got to dust yourself off and carry on.”
A Nod to Youth and Inexperience
Zille also reflected on the challenges younger politicians often face—especially when they rise to prominence quickly.
“When you’re new and suddenly in the spotlight, it can feel exciting,” she said.
“But with that spotlight comes criticism, and it hits hard.”
She continued, “It takes time and a few bruises to truly understand what you’re dealing with in politics.
That maturity doesn’t happen overnight.”
And while she didn’t name Jacobs directly in this part, her comments made it clear she believes the young MP still has some growing to do.
“They Always Regret Leaving,” Zille Adds
Zille had one final piece of advice for the younger generation of politicians: don’t make impulsive decisions.
“Everyone who’s ever left the DA,” she claimed, “has ended up regretting it. Every single one.”
While that’s a strong statement, it shows that Zille believes the DA offers something long-term that others might not fully appreciate until it’s gone.
Why Liam Jacobs Jumped Ship
Liam Jacobs, just 24 years old, is known for his bold voice in Parliament and viral videos on social media.
Last month, during a Facebook Live with PA leaders Gayton McKenzie and Ashley Sauls, he opened up about why he left the DA.
Jacobs said it all came down to a moment during a parliamentary committee session.
While challenging the leadership of the National Arts Council, he was caught off guard by something Gayton McKenzie told him.
“It Hit Me in the Soul”
According to Jacobs, McKenzie said: “You call me a dictator when your party doesn’t have one coloured person as a minister or deputy minister, despite coloured people making up the overwhelming majority of the vote.”
Jacobs described that moment as a turning point. “I literally swallowed my breath,” he said.
“That’s when I realised it was time to come home.”
He didn’t hold back about how he felt in the DA either: “I knew I was being used.”
In contrast, he says the Patriotic Alliance made him feel “loved and welcomed.” He ended by saying, “I’m finally home.”
What Comes Next?
With this sudden political switch, many are wondering what Jacobs’ next move will be within the PA—and how the DA plans to fill the gap.
Either way, this moment has certainly stirred up debate, especially around representation and party values in South African politics.