GEORGE NEWS - Jarques Esau, ward councillor in the George Municipality for Uniondale (Ward 25), has resigned from the ANC and joined the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The news was shared this morning by DA Western Cape Leader Tertuis Simmers.
Since Esau was elected as Ward 25 Councillor under the ANC banner, his resignation will trigger a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
This means residents in Ward 25 will soon return to the polls.
Esau has been involved with the ANC since the age of 16 and served as Ward 25 Councillor from 2017 to 2026. "His decision to leave follows the deeping decline within the ANC and its inablility to govern effectively," reads a statement by Simmers.
"Councillor Esau believes the DA is the only credible vehicle to deliver clean governance, restore public trust, and accelerate service delivery,” said Simmers.
Esau’s defection follows a series of high-profile ANC departures in the province, including former ANC Western Cape Secretary Neville Delport, along with Paul Strauss, Daniel Baadjies, and Jason Donn. Strauss and Baadjies have since reclaimed their council seats under the DA banner in recent by-elections.
Simmers said Esau’s move reflects a growing trend of ANC members in the Western Cape seeking a party that can deliver results for residents.
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