Liam Jacobs apologises for ‘disgraced departure’ from DA, slams 'ANC cheerleader' PA

Description

Liam Jacobs apologises for 'disgraced departure' from DA, slams 'ANC cheerleader' PA In a political turnaround, former DA defectee and PA member Liam Jacobs has officially returned to the DA, issuing a public apology on Tuesday for his "distasteful" and "disgraceful" departure from the official opposition last year. Jacobs, who joined Gayton McKenzie's PA last year, announced that he is returning to the DA not as a public representative, but as an ordinary activist. Reflecting on his exit, Jacobs expressed "deep regret" for what he believes is the harm created for DA voters, leadership, public representatives, activists, and staff by his social media commentary and sudden departure. "I left the DA in a manner that disrespected the organisation that went to great lengths to invest in my development," Jacobs admitted. "I followed it up with statements on social media that caused great harm to the very people who extended their trust and support to me. My departure was disgraceful." He acknowledged that regaining the party's trust will take time. "I do not expect forgiveness immediately. I understand that trust must be earned again, and I am committed to rebuilding it through my actions." Jacobs credited the DA with launching his political career, noting that the party took a young activist from the Northern Cape, developed his skills in Gauteng, and placed him in the National Assembly at just 23 years old. "The DA believed in my potential," he said. He stated that his time inside the PA served as an "eye-opener", claiming that what he "saw behind the curtain" was a political culture that explicitly contravened his personal values. According to Jacobs, the internal instability of the PA became undeniable when McKenzie offered him a return to Parliament as a PA MP. He declined the offer. "I could not, in good conscience, serve the people of South Africa whilst being in the vehicle of the PA." He launched a scathing critique of the PA's governance and internal structures, contrasting them with the DA's in