DA MP Liam Jacobs has switched allegiance to the Patriotic Alliance — a surprising move given his outspoken criticism of the party.
Jacobs, 24, of the Northern Cape, became popular on Facebook with his videos of sporting facilities in SA that have gone to ruin.
In a statement on Saturday, Patriotic Alliance president Gayton McKenzie said he always told Jacobs he had a bright future in politics.
“I knew that one day his eyes would open, I just didn’t think it would be this soon, or this sudden.”
“Our hearts are full of joy. We will always stand with Liam, no matter what anyone might insult him with now.
“I look forward to the journey of growing the next generation of leaders, like him, in the PA, because this party is not for me or any of us who started the PA.
“We have always said that the PA belongs to our children, and Liam will be part of that next generation that carries the PA beyond us once we have packed away our suits.
“The PA must — and will — endure even when I am being lowered into the ground in a coffin draped in PA colours.”
On Saturday, Jacobs posted on Facebook: “I am finally free. The fight for truth, accountability and justice continues. I am finally home.
In the statement, Jacobs said: “Wherever the president wants me to be, whatever work he has for me, I am ready.”
Earlier this week, Gayton McKenzie called out Jacobs for his conduct during parliamentary committee meetings after a heated debate erupted.
McKenzie is the sport, arts and culture minister.
The controversy was centred on the appointment of PA member Eugene Botha as the chair of the National Arts Council.
Jacobs questioned McKenzie about the appointment, suggesting a potential conflict of interest given that Botha is a member of the PA, the same party as McKenzie.
“We must investigate whether there is actual ethics that can be found in this. We must investigate the potential of conflict of interest,” Jacobs said.
“I want to understand his understanding as to why a member of the PA became the chair of the board, being a member of the PA while he, as a minister, is a member of the PA. What is the rationale?”
McKenzie defended the appointment, saying it was in accordance with legislation and that other parties had made similar appointments.
McKenzie also addressed Jacobs's conduct during the meeting, referencing a previous committee meeting where Jacobs grilled Safa president Danny Jordaan over his leadership and travel expenses.
“You are rude. I will never stand for this rudeness of Jacobs.”
The Herald
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