DA accepts Ghaleb Cachalia’s resignation, effective immediately

18 January 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accepted the resignation of Ghaleb Cachalia as a Member of Parliament and of the party, effective immediately. We will write to the Speaker of Parliament to fill the resulting vacancy.

The DA categorically rejects the claims Cachalia has manufactured in an attempt to justify his resignation, including his mischaracterisation of the party’s position on the war in Gaza. The DA remains irrevocably committed to peace, to a two-state solution, and to the creation of a sovereign and unoccupied Palestine in peaceful co-existence next to a secure Israel.

It is important to recognise that, as the most diverse party in South Africa, the DA is home to members from all walks of life with divergent views on various issues. These views are frequently aired in an atmosphere of mutual respect through the party’s various caucuses, with members respecting the outcomes and decisions resulting from these discussions. Except for Ghaleb Cachalia. His disrespect for party processes, for his colleagues, and for the diversity of views in the DA has mounted over time, culminating in his violation of a caucus decision that the party’s shadow minister for international relations and cooperation would be the spokesperson on the war in Gaza.

The DA further rejects his attack on the party’s coalition partners, on civil society that has rallied behind the Multi-Party Charter, and on the DA’s systems and processes. The party rejects Cachalia’s attempts to scapegoat DA Leader John Steenhuisen, which are belied by his full-throated support for Steenhuisen during the party’s recent Federal Congress. Less than a year ago, Cachalia declared on Facebook his “admiration” for Steenhuisen, pointing out that he “walks the talk” as a leader.

The DA remains focused on the mission to rescue South Africa.

Issued by Solly Malatsi, National Spokesperson, 18 January 2024