Former ANC Secretary Neville Delport Defects to DA, Citing “Factional Politics” in Western Cape

The political landscape in the Western Cape has taken another sharp turn, with former ANC provincial secretary Neville Delport announcing his move to the Democratic Alliance (DA). His defection, unveiled on Wednesday, 5 November, alongside three other former ANC members, is being seen as one of the most significant crossovers in recent years for the province.

A High-Profile Defection Amid ANC Upheaval

Delport’s move comes just days after the ANC’s national executive committee dissolved the party’s provincial leadership a decision that many insiders believe has deepened existing divisions within the Western Cape branch.

Elected to the ANC’s provincial leadership in 2023 after years of interim management, Delport now says the recent “reconfiguration” reflects nothing more than factional infighting.

“This is just the beginning,” Delport warned. “ANC councillors, especially in rural regions, will follow suit as we build a stronger strategy with the DA to ensure it remains the party leading this province.”

DA Welcomes Delport To Strengthen Rural Strategy

DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille and Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers officially welcomed Delport and the other recruits at a press briefing in Cape Town.

Zille said Delport’s focus will be on mobilising rural support, particularly in municipalities where the DA faces tough competition. “His experience in the ANC’s structures gives him a deep understanding of grassroots politics something we intend to leverage,” she added.

Two by-elections will now be triggered following the defection of two former ANC ward councillors, underscoring how fragile the balance of political power remains in certain municipalities.

Social Media Buzz And Political Reaction

Social media was quick to react to Delport’s crossover. On X (formerly Twitter), users split sharply along party lines with DA supporters calling the move “proof that good governance wins loyalty,” while ANC loyalists dismissed it as “opportunism ahead of the 2026 elections.”

Political analysts note that Delport’s departure highlights deeper instability within the ANC’s Western Cape structures, which have struggled to gain traction against the DA’s long-standing dominance in the province.

What This Means For The Western Cape

For the DA, the addition of a senior former ANC leader offers both symbolic and strategic gains, especially in the province’s rural heartlands, where voter dynamics are shifting.

For the ANC, however, it’s another signal of internal discord a challenge that may hinder the party’s efforts to rebuild its base ahead of next year’s municipal elections.

As one political commentator noted on Radio 702, “Delport’s defection isn’t just about party politics. It’s about who gets to define the future of opposition and governance in the Western Cape and right now, the DA is setting the pace.”

{Source:EWN}

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