Former Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Liam Jacobs has responded to comments made by Helen Zille.
In a recent interview, the former leader of the party alluded to the 24-year-old enjoying the “limelight.”
Last month, Liam surprised South Africans with his shock defection to the Patriotic Alliance. This came after he accused his former party of not electing people of colour into leadership roles.
LIAM JACOBS RESPONDS TO HELEN ZILLE
On his Facebook account, Liam Jacobs reposted a recent EWN interview with Helen Zille.
In the clip, the former DA leader broke her silence on Liam’s shock exit.
Responding to her comments, Liam posted: “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Unfortunately, the entire reasoning of that EWN clip misses everything I spoke of in my statement after leaving.
“It misses how deeply systematised oppression is within the structures of that party. It also misses the core question of representation and its ethical implications. It also misses the inherent anti-meritocratic practices within the party.”
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Unfortunately, the entire reasoning of that EWN clip misses everything I spoke…
Posted by Liam Jacobs on Monday 28 July 2025
WHAT DID HELEN ZILLE SAY?
Speaking to EWN this week, Helen Zille broke her silence on DA MP Liam Jacob’s decision to suddenly leave the party for another he had publicly criticised.
She said: “I like Liam, and I got on well with Liam. I don’t want to clap him in any way.
Helen hinted that there were no hard feelings on her end. She continued: “It takes many years in politics to know that getting bashed about is part of what you bought into. And to know that you mustn’t take yourself too seriously, and to know that you’re going to get clapped from every single angle. You just have to dust yourself and get on with it.”
The DA federal council chair alluded to Liam Jacobs’s age and somewhat inexperience in politics.
She added, “Young people come in and get into the spotlight and enjoy the limelight. But the minute you get the spotlight, the next thing is that you’re going to have your head cut off. And you’re going to have to survive it. It takes some hard knocks to get to that point.
“I say to young people that when you get disillusioned, when you get angry, just remind yourself that there has never been a single person who left the DA who wasn’t sorry afterwards”.
FROM MP TO GAUTENG’S NEW MMC FOR TRANSPORT
Meanwhile, PA leader Gayton McKenzie has appointed Liam Jacobs to replace Kenny Kunene as Gauteng MMC for Transport.
This follows Kunene’s resignation amid being allegedly implicated to criminally accused businessman, Katiso Molefe.
Gayton said of his protege: “We want him to get the experience, help fix potholes and continue the good work Kunene has been doing.”
He added: “This is your chance to show people you don’t just complain and point out mistakes. This is your chance to show people you can lead. You have shown people your heart, people have fallen in love with you. Don’t disappoint them. This is your moment.”
DO YOU BELIEVE LIAM JACOBS MADE THE RIGHT MOVE TO THE PA?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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