Helen Zille: Senior ANC WC members joining DA driven by disillusionment, not money

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed four senior African National Congress (ANC) members in the Western Cape to the party, including Neville Delport, the ANC’s former provincial secretary. 

The move follows internal divisions in the ANC after the national leadership recently reconfigured its provincial executive structures.

DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille confirmed the defections, saying the individuals approached the DA themselves out of disillusionment with the ANC’s direction. 

"They are very uncomfortable with the direction the ANC is going.

"Some of them have chosen to remain with the ANC because they think it's a safer bet than coming to us, so they are very unhappy, but are staying for the while. Some asked for payments to come over, and payouts for the rest of their terms in office, which we said no to. We did it absolutely above board. They came to us clear and straight, and I just responded to a request from them to speak to me, and we went from there."

The DA, which has recently lost councillors in George to the Patriotic Alliance, hopes the new members will strengthen its campaign ahead of the 2026 local government elections. 

To listen to Zille in conversation with CapeTalk's John Maytham, click below: