DA says members who oppose party's Israel-Palestine stance are free to leave
Three DA leaders recently left the party, accusing it of suppressing the voices of pro-Palestine members within the organisation.
FILE: Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen addresses a media briefing on 5 July 2023. Picture: Democratic Alliance
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) says members who do not agree with the party’s stance on the Israel and Palestine conflict are free to leave the party.
Most recently, three DA leaders left the party, accusing it of suppressing the voices of pro-Palestine members within the organisation.
These are former DA member of Parliament Ghaleb Cachalia, former DA youth leader Nkhumeni Ramulifho, and former DA councillor in Saldanha, Sammy Claassen.
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Leader John Steenhuisen said the Democratic Alliance, like any other political party, has a party line that everyone has to toe.
In respect to the Israel-Palestine conflict, the DA’s stance is for a two-state solution and the respect of international laws.
Steenhuisen said there were platforms for dissent and debates within the party’s structures.
"People must respect the party position and defend the party position and if they don’t want to do that, they are free to leave."
However, all three recently resigned DA members have pointed to a culture of censorship within the opposition party.
This article has been updated to reflect the correct quote by DA leader John Steenhuisen.