Disqualified MP claims 'inconsistency' in DA leadership vetting

The DA maintains its MP Karabo Khakhau has failed to meet the requirements to stand as a candidate for the 2026 federal congress.

This after Khakhau released a statement on social media on Saturday, alleging that the party forced her to withdraw from the race for deputy chairperson of the federal council.
 
Khakhau said her disqualification is linked to claims that she owed “tithes” to the organisation.

 She explained that despite settling the outstanding amount, the DA’s free state provincial executive committee declined to issue a letter of good financial standing -- a decision later upheld by the party’s federal executive.
 
DA federal congress spokesperson Nazley Sharif has told EWN that Khakhau did not meet internal election rules but did not provide further details.
 
"The DA applies rules for internal elections, and Khakhau did not meet the requirements to stand as a candidate for the federal congress 2026," said Sharif.
 
The party is set to hold its federal congress next month to elect new leadership.