Former Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Renaldo Gouws has officially joined the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus), nearly a year after his expulsion from the DA over a racially charged controversy.
The VF Plus made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming Gouws’s membership and signalling a significant political shift for Gouws, who was once seen as a rising star within the DA ranks.
Investigation
Renaldo Gouws was expelled from the DA in September 2024 following an investigation by the party’s Federal Legal Commission, which found he had breached several sections of the DA’s constitution.
The investigation was prompted by the resurfacing of a 2010 video that sparked widespread backlash and demands for accountability across South Africa’s political spectrum.
His expulsion also saw him lose his seat in Parliament.
In a statement, Gouws said his decision to join the Freedom Front Plus was grounded in shared values.
“The VF Plus’s commitment to freedom, self-determination, and the protection of minority rights deeply resonates with my personal convictions,” he said.
“I am honoured to join a party that stands firmly for building a united and prosperous South Africa where every citizen can thrive equally.”
‘Difficult but clarifying period’
Renaldo Gouws acknowledged the challenges and public scrutiny he has faced over the past year, referring to his departure from the DA as a “difficult but clarifying period.”
“It’s been a long year since my time with my previous political party came to an abrupt end in 2024. Many of you know the story, the controversies, the challenges, and ultimately, my termination from the party,” he wrote on social media.
The VF Plus welcomed Gouws, stating that they believe his experience in public service and political communication will be an asset to the party.
“We look forward to working with him,” the party said in a brief statement.
The move is likely to spark debate, given Gouws’s high-profile departure from the DA and the circumstances surrounding it.
However, it also underscores the VF Plus’s ongoing efforts to expand its political influence ahead of the next general election.
