McKenzie tells Liam Jacobs to ‘leave the PA out of your mouth’ after DA return

Gayton McKenzie has publicly warned Liam Jacobs to stop mentioning the Patriotic Alliance (PA) after Jacobs announced his return to the Democratic Alliance (DA).

What happened

Jacobs’ move back to the DA was announced on a Sunday evening. The announcement followed a brief period during which Jacobs had left the DA and joined the PA.

McKenzie’s reaction

Speaking on a Facebook livestream on Monday evening, PA leader Gayton McKenzie said he wished Jacobs well but issued a blunt warning.

“Los die PA uit jou mond (Leave the PA out of your mouth),” McKenzie said.

McKenzie’s comments on Jacobs’ time in the PA

During the livestream, McKenzie described how the PA had moved Jacobs through different portfolios to find his strengths. He said he had noticed Jacobs becoming unhappy and recalled a security incident related to a party card that highlighted tensions.

McKenzie criticised Jacobs for what he characterised as an unwillingness to work the ground with the PA and for failing to adapt to the party’s culture. He said the PA’s voter base requires a different approach and that Jacobs had not connected with those voters.

Warning against attacking the PA

McKenzie cautioned Jacobs about attacking the PA on social media and told him explicitly not to lie about the party. He reiterated his personal disappointment but said he did not view Jacobs as an enemy.

“For me, because I really have a soft spot for you, los die PA se naam (leave the PA’s name)… Los die PA and don’t lie about us,” McKenzie said.

Parting tone

Despite his warning, McKenzie expressed respect for Jacobs’ father and wished Jacobs well. He told Jacobs not to become an enemy of the PA and urged him to conduct himself carefully.

“You are not our enemy. You cannot be our enemy. Don’t try to be our enemy. Bamba (hold) yourself, ma se kind,” McKenzie said.

Publication date: 2 June 2026.