George ANC councillor jumps ship to join the DA

Jarques Esau leaves the ANC for the DA, prompting a by-election in George’s Ward 25. A significant political shift occurred in George as ward councillor Jarques Esau announced his resignation from the ANC to join the DA. Esau, who served as Ward 25 councillor in the George municipality since 2017, has left Cyril Ramaphosa’s party after being a member since the age of 16.

Western Cape DA leader Tertius Simmers confirmed the move yesterday morning, saying Esau’s decision comes amid what he viewed as a continued decline within the ANC and concerns about its “ability to govern effectively”. “He [Esau] believes the DA is the only credible vehicle to deliver clean governance, restore public trust, and accelerate service delivery,” Simmers said. “Esau’s defection reflects the growing desire of ANC members across the province to join a party that works.” Esau said the reason he had moved parties was because he “could not do much as the ANC did not have much power in George”.

“The ANC at this stage does not serve its purpose as spelled out by former president Nelson Mandela,” he toldCape Argus. “Everything Nelson Mandela taught us and his vision have gone out the back door. For me, it is all about the people.

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“The DA has a good record that we can see … everyone can see that.” His resignation now sets the stage for a by-election, with residents expected to return to the polls to fill the vacant seat. Esau’s exit also comes at a time of continued political shifts in the 55-seat council.

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