Ghaleb Cachalia quits DA over demotion for pro-Palestine remarks

Ghaleb Cachalia has quit the Democratic Alliance (DA), saying the party had a growing dysfunctional, undemocratic, and authoritarian tendency.

GHALEB CACHALIA QUITS DA OVER DEMOTION FOR PRO-PALESTINE REMARKS

Cachalia’s resignation follows a dispute last year related to utterances he made over the conflict in the Middle East.

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On Thursday, he announced that he was resigning as both a party member and an MP, after serving as the DA’s public enterprises spokesperson.

Cachalia was removed from the position in November for making pro-Palestine remarks.

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HE WAS REMOVED FROM HIS POSITION FOR MAKING PRO-PALESTINE REMARKS

The DA argued that he was in breach of a resolution of the party’s stance on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Cachalia posted a detailed list of his decision to resign.

I have resigned from the DA. Here is my detailed rationale.https://t.co/dCDgn6k7kk

— ghaleb cachalia. (@GhalebCachalia) January 18, 2024

CACHALIA GAVE A DETAILED LIST OF HIS REASONS

“This serves to announce my resignation as an MP and as a member of the Democratic Alliance.

“My detailed reasons are attached in my letter to the chairman of the Federal Executive along with the various permanent appendices.

“He said the leadership of the DA has become increasingly uncomfortable with my public utterances over the past few months.”

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‘THE DA HAS BECOME UNCOMFORTABLE WITH MY PUBLIC UTTERANCES’

This mainly concerns issues around the war in Gaza.

“As a consequence, I have been fired from my position in the shadow cabinet – notwithstanding any connection between my erstwhile portfolio and the events referred to.

“Since then, I have been accused of contradicting DA official policy and contravening a caucus injunction to only allow the shadow minister for DIRCO to comment on related matters. I have since received a ‘Cease and Desist’ notification.” – Ghaleb Cachalia said.

THE DA HAS ACCEPTED HIS RESIGNATION

The DA responded on Thursday and said it had accepted the resignation of Cachalia after a fallout over the Israel-Palestine war.

“The DA categorically rejects the claims Cachalia has manufactured in an attempt to justify his resignation, including his mischaracterisation of the party’s position on the war in Gaza.

“The DA remains irrevocably committed to peace, to a two-state solution, and to the creation of a sovereign and unoccupied Palestine in peaceful co-existence next to a secure Israel.” – DA National Spokesperson Solly Malatsi MP said.

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‘THE DA IS HOME TO MEMBERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE’

Malatsi said the DA is home to members from all walks of life with divergent views on various issues.

“These views are frequently aired in an atmosphere of mutual respect through the party’s various caucuses, with members respecting the outcomes and decisions resulting from these discussions.”

“Except for Ghaleb Cachalia. His disrespect for party processes, for his colleagues, and for the diversity of views in the DA has mounted over time, culminating in his violation of a caucus decision that the party’s shadow minister for international relations and cooperation would be the spokesperson on the war in Gaza.”

THE DA SAID IT REJECTS HIS ATTACK ON THE PARTY’S COALITION PARTNERS

The DA also said it rejects his attack on the party’s coalition partners, civil society that has rallied behind the Multi-Party Charter, and the DA’s systems and processes.

“The party rejects Cachalia’s attempts to scapegoat DA Leader John Steenhuisen, which are belied by his full-throated support for Steenhuisen during the party’s recent Federal Congress.

“Less than a year ago, Cachalia declared on Facebook his “admiration” for Steenhuisen, pointing out that he “walks the talk” as a leader.” – DA National Spokesperson Solly Malatsi MP said.