CERES, Wednesday 21 October 2026 — The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed six former Freedom Front Plus and Patriotic Alliance members into its ranks in Witzenberg, Western Cape, as the party seeks to secure an outright majority in the municipality during the 4 November local government elections.
The new members include Albert Kamfer, who previously represented Witzenberg in Freedom Front Plus provincial structures, and five others who have left the two parties.
The announcement comes as political parties compete for support in a municipality that has experienced several changes in governing arrangements since the 2021 local government elections.
Former FF Plus and PA members join DA
According to the DA, Jan Syster and Albert Kamfer have joined the party from the Freedom Front Plus.
Kamfer had been involved with the Freedom Front Plus for approximately 18 months and previously represented Witzenberg within the party’s provincial structures.
Four former Patriotic Alliance members have also joined the DA.
They are Carol Mano, Cecilia Smith, Marodene Pedro and Annalene Pedro.
DA spokesperson Wendy Kaizer-Philander welcomed the six new members, saying their participation would strengthen the party’s campaign in the municipality.
Kaizer-Philander said the party believed the move reflected growing support for its approach to municipal governance.
The DA has presented the defections as evidence of its ability to attract voters and activists from smaller parties ahead of the elections.
DA targets outright majority
The DA is seeking to govern Witzenberg without relying on coalition partners following the November elections.
Kaizer-Philander said the party believed a majority administration would provide greater stability and allow it to focus on service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and local economic development.
The party has argued that coalition arrangements can complicate decision-making and the implementation of municipal programmes.
However, the departure of members from other parties does not necessarily indicate how their former supporters will vote.
The Freedom Front Plus and Patriotic Alliance have not been reported as confirming any broader organisational realignment in Witzenberg.
Witzenberg has history of coalition changes
Witzenberg’s municipal council consists of 23 councillors.
The DA won nine seats following the final allocation of seats from the 2021 municipal elections, leaving it short of the 12 required for an outright majority.
The ANC secured seven seats, while several smaller parties obtained representation.
The municipality subsequently experienced changes in political alliances and council leadership.
Trevor Abrahams became executive mayor in December 2023, with the DA continuing to lead the municipal administration through arrangements involving other parties.
The municipality’s official leadership records identify Abrahams as mayor and Elizabeth Sidego as speaker.
The latest membership changes do not themselves alter the composition of the sitting council.
No serving councillor was identified among the six new DA members in the announcement.
Smaller parties remain important
The Freedom Front Plus and Patriotic Alliance both secured representation in Witzenberg following the previous municipal elections.
Their presence, alongside several local political organisations, contributed to a council in which no single party held a majority.
Smaller parties have therefore played an important role in determining governing arrangements and the election of municipal office-bearers.
The DA’s recruitment of former members from both parties comes as it attempts to expand its support beyond its existing voter base.
However, the effect of the membership changes on the parties’ campaign structures and electoral prospects remains uncertain.
Election outcome will determine council control
Witzenberg residents will elect a new municipal council on 4 November, alongside voters in municipalities across South Africa.
The DA is campaigning for an outright majority, while competing parties are seeking to retain or expand their representation.
The outcome will determine whether the municipality can be governed by a single party or whether another coalition arrangement will be required.
The latest membership changes represent a development in the local election campaign, but their significance for council control will ultimately depend on the election results.
