DA loses another member and leader

Former Cape Town Mayor and Member of the Provincial Legislature Dan Plato has resigned from the DA, charging the party has moved away from its commitment of serving the vulnerable in society.

Plato announced has joined the People’s Movement for Change (PMC) led by former provincial African National Congress (ANC) chairperson, Marius Fransman.

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DA NO LONGER A ‘WELCOMING SPACE’

 In a statement, Plato said the DA’s policies no longer resonate with the needs of the vulnerable.

“The DA’s evolving priorities and policies no longer resonate with the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.

Beyond specific issues, my departure underscores a broader disconnect, indicating that the party is no longer a welcoming space for those who seek genuine representation from a political entity,” he said.

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PARTY’S STANCE ON PALESTINE QUESTIONED

Plato also expressed disappointment with the DA’s position of “suppressing” pro-Palestine voices within the party. 

“As someone dedicated to upholding the rights of all, I believe in fostering open dialogue on critical global issues, and the DA’s current stance on Palestinian question is incompatible with those values,” he said.

Plato is the latest DA leader to resign over the party’s stance on Palestine this month, Sammy Claassen who was the party’s National Elections Consultant also resigned, citing the party “suppresses the voices of those who stand for justice and human rights”.

Fransman said they welcome Plato to the party.

“We are delighted to welcome Plato to the PMC family. Our party stands as a home for the poor, working and middle class, and we unapologetically advocate for a free and liberated Palestine.

Dan’s commitment to social justice aligns seamlessly with our values, and we look forward to working together to put people at the center of power,” he said. 

DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmer said the party welcomes Plato’s resignation and wish him well in the future.