Some Democratic Alliance members are reportedly angered by Liam Jacobs’ return to the party, questioning why he was welcomed back after previously branding the DA as racist.
Jacobs, who left the DA for the Patriotic Alliance less than a year ago, has now rejoined the opposition party, prompting criticism from members who say his comeback is hard to justify. Party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, however, welcomed him back, according to reports.
Several DA members have expressed outrage over Jacobs’ return, questioning why he was welcomed back after previously branding the party as racist.
Speaking to IOL, long-serving DA member Shehana Kajee accused the party of applying double standards.
“Liam blatantly told the media that the DA is racist. He claimed that he felt uncomfortable, among other things. Now he waltzes back into the party and is welcomed so warmly.
“Compare this to two former DA members in KwaZulu-Natal who applied to have their memberships reinstated. One had been a member for about 18 years and had his membership terminated on what appeared to be a frivolous excuse. The other faced a similar fate. Yet they left the party without going public. Their appeals were completely ignored after 18 years of service to the party. Where is the fairness and justice?” Kajee said.
Her comments were echoed by several other party insiders, who took to social media to voice their disapproval of Jacobs’ return.
The fawning over this kid is so unacceptable. He should have been made to start from the very bottom as a message to all other traitors who wish to return. What has Liam actually brought to the DA?
“The hardworking activists have shown more loyalty and worked harder than he has, yet they have not reached the same heights despite being more deserving than Liam,” DA member Deon Smit wrote on social media.
Jacobs, 25, defected from the DA to join the PA a year ago amid similar fanfare to that which has accompanied his return.
Kajee went further in her criticism of the party’s leadership.
As a loyal party member who has served in various structures for 24 years, I am very disappointed. The party lacks transparency and people are treated differently.
“What has also changed is freedom of expression. I was asked by certain leaders on many occasions to remove posts in which I expressed my personal views.
“I am proud of the party’s service delivery record and I love the DA, which is why I speak out. However, it is the unethical members, the bullies, the gatekeepers, the floor-crossers and the cabals within the party who threaten our ability to win over new voters.
“I will not be silenced when leadership makes decisions that are contrary to our Values Charter. I will always be loyal to the DA as a party, not to individuals.
“Liam Jacobs owes the party a public apology for insulting us on every media platform. We cannot be welcoming him back as if nothing happened,” Kajee said.
Jacobs previously accused the DA of using him to secure coloured voters and labelled the party racist.
He said his decision to return followed months of reflection on his values and whether the Patriotic Alliance aligned with them. Ultimately, he concluded that the DA was a better fit and has since been warmly welcomed back by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.