DA Defector Liam Jacobs Replaces Kenny Kunene in Johannesburg Council
In a surprising move that reflects ongoing political shifts in South Africa, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has appointed Liam Jacobs, a former Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance (DA), to the Johannesburg City Council. This change comes as Kenny Kunene, the party’s deputy president and former Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for transport, steps down following a public controversy Click here to read the official announcement.
Who is Liam Jacobs?
Liam Jacobs, just 24 years old, emerged as a rising political figure when he joined Parliament representing the Democratic Alliance after the 2024 general elections. During his time with the DA, Jacobs served on the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, and Culture. However, his time in Parliament took a dramatic turn when tensions between him and PA leader Gayton McKenzie escalated during a committee meeting.
Shortly afterward, Jacobs made the unexpected decision to leave the DA, citing feelings of being “used” and politically restricted. In June 2025, he joined the Patriotic Alliance, saying the party offered him a platform where he felt welcomed and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
Why Did Kenny Kunene Resign?
Kenny Kunene’s resignation followed revelations that he had been present at the home of murder suspect Katiso “KT” Molefe on the day of Molefe’s arrest. Molefe is accused of orchestrating the murder of popular musician Oupa John “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka in 2022.
Kunene confirmed that he visited Molefe’s residence but claimed that his presence was for journalistic purposes. According to Kunene, he was helping arrange an interview for a journalist working for his online publication, Africa Global News. Despite his explanation, the Patriotic Alliance placed him on special leave while an internal investigation into his conduct was launched.
In his resignation letter to Johannesburg Council Speaker Margaret Arnolds, Kunene denied any wrongdoing but stated he was stepping aside to ensure a transparent investigation. Meanwhile, social media images showing Kunene and Molefe together further fueled public speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Jacobs’ Appointment: A Strategic Move
PA leader Gayton McKenzie described Jacobs’s appointment as part of a broader plan to prepare him for future leadership. The party has already announced Jacobs as its mayoral candidate for Tshwane. McKenzie emphasized that placing Jacobs in Johannesburg Council would allow him to gain hands-on experience in local government operations.
“We want him to help fix potholes and continue the good work started by our deputy president. This is his opportunity to prove he can lead and solve problems, not just point them out,” said McKenzie.
Liam Jacobs shared a motivational message on social media, stating: “Pointing out problems is easy. Fixing them is the real work. Let’s get to work. Salute.”
The Bigger Picture: Political Strategy
This leadership reshuffle is not an isolated event. It reflects a larger strategy by the Patriotic Alliance to strengthen its political positioning ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The party is intensifying its presence in key municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and areas in the Western Cape.
In particular, McKenzie has accused both the DA and the ANC of betraying coalition agreements, especially in regions like Laingsburg. The PA lost control of the Laingsburg mayoral office in June when the ANC sided with the DA. McKenzie publicly declared that the PA would no longer tolerate such alliances.
“We must teach the DA and ANC a lesson. A touch is a move. We have declared political war in the Western Cape,” McKenzie told a crowd of supporters.
By-Elections and Party Growth
The Patriotic Alliance has been making notable gains in by-elections. In May, the PA claimed a ward from the ANC in the Northern Cape town of Sutherland. More recently, former ANC councillor Johannes January joined the PA, further boosting the party’s momentum in the Langeberg municipality.
The PA is also focusing on by-elections in Knysna and Matzikamma, scheduled for August. These areas are viewed as battlegrounds where the PA aims to prove its growing influence.
A New Face of the Patriotic Alliance?
Liam Jacobs’s appointment is not just a substitution; it signals a potential shift in the identity of the PA. While Kenny Kunene has long been a controversial and bold figure in South African politics, Jacobs represents a younger, perhaps more measured voice. His appointment could broaden the appeal of the party to younger voters and those seeking reform.
If Liam Jacobs is successful in his new role, it could open the door for further generational changes in the PA’s leadership and increase the party’s appeal beyond its current base.
Public Perception and Challenges
Despite McKenzie’s reassurances that Jacobs was chosen for his leadership potential and not as a political stunt, some critics remain skeptical. Questions persist about whether Jacobs has enough experience to handle the pressures of Johannesburg council work or future responsibilities in Tshwane.
However, McKenzie dismissed these concerns, arguing that the youth need to be given real opportunities to lead. “He’s not just here to learn. He’s here to act,” he said.
The Role of Local Government
Jacobs’s immediate challenge will be navigating Johannesburg’s local government—an area plagued by issues ranging from infrastructure decay to administrative inefficiencies. The MMC for transport role that Kunene once held is particularly sensitive, as the city struggles with service delivery, unreliable public transport, and pothole-ridden roads.
Liam Jacobs is expected to immerse himself in community engagement, infrastructure planning, and problem-solving at a grassroots level. Whether he succeeds will depend not only on his leadership abilities but also on the political support he receives from within the council and his party.
More About Liam Jacobs: A Young Leader in the Spotlight
Before entering the national spotlight, Liam Jacobs was already making waves in student politics and community development initiatives. Born and raised in the Western Cape, Jacobs began his political journey as a youth activist and quickly rose through the ranks of the Democratic Alliance’s student structures. Known for his sharp debating skills and grassroots engagement, he gained recognition for advocating education reform and better youth representation in government. Despite his young age, Jacobs has consistently emphasized the importance of accountability, service delivery, and innovation in public service. His defection to the Patriotic Alliance signals a desire to align with a party he believes allows him to act boldly and break away from what he has described as “stale, careerist politics.”
Conclusion
Liam Jacobs’s transition from the DA to the Patriotic Alliance and his sudden rise to Johannesburg council marks a new chapter in South African politics. His youth, energy, and the party’s confidence in his potential set the stage for significant political experimentation.
As the Patriotic Alliance prepares for the 2026 local elections, all eyes will be on Jacobs to see whether he can turn political promise into practical results. His appointment sends a message that the PA is betting on the next generation—and expects them to deliver.
Whether Liam Jacobs will rise to the challenge remains to be seen. But for now, the spotlight is on him, and the real work has just begun.
