DA Welcomes Former ActionSA Leaders to Party in Nelson Mandela Bay

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape has welcomed several former ActionSA leaders and members from Nelson Mandela Bay into its ranks, describing the move as a step toward strengthening its political presence ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by DA Eastern Cape Provincial Leader Andrew Whitfield, who said the party believes the new members will contribute to efforts aimed at improving governance in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Whitfield was joined by DA Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson Yusuf Cassim, DA Nelson Mandela Bay Mayoral Candidate Retief Odendaal, and DA Winterhoek Constituency Leader Horatio Hendricks when the new members were formally introduced.

Former ActionSA leaders join DA

Among those who have joined the DA are:

• Sherwin Nel, former ActionSA Nelson Mandela Bay Regional Chairperson

• Luzuko Gedze, former ActionSA Provincial Spokesperson

• Sinclair Baatjies, former ActionSA Kariega Sub-Regional Chairperson

According to Whitfield, the individuals had concluded that aligning with the DA offered the best opportunity to strengthen governance in the metro.

The party said the new members believe uniting behind a growing DA is the most effective way to address governance challenges in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Focus on governance ahead of 2026 elections

Whitfield stated that the DA intends to build broader political support in the metro ahead of the 2026 local government elections, where the party hopes to secure control of the municipality.

He said the DA believes its governance record in municipalities where it currently governs demonstrates the party’s ability to improve service delivery and administration.

The announcement follows the DA’s Eastern Cape Provincial Congress, held recently, where the party elected new provincial leadership.

Whitfield described the DA as a party built on internal democratic processes and said the organisation aims to continue growing its support base across the province.

Criticism of ActionSA leadership

In his remarks, Whitfield also criticised ActionSA, stating that the party has not held an elective congress since its formation.

He argued that some former members were dissatisfied with the leadership structure within ActionSA and were seeking a political organisation that they believe operates with stronger internal democratic processes.

Whitfield said the DA would continue to welcome individuals from other political parties who share what he described as the party’s values and policy approach.

Political realignment in Nelson Mandela Bay

The move reflects the shifting political landscape in Nelson Mandela Bay, where coalition politics and party realignments have played a significant role in recent years.

Political parties across the metro are expected to intensify campaigning as the 2026 municipal elections approach, with governance, service delivery and accountability likely to remain key issues for voters.

Whitfield said the DA believes broader support and unity behind its campaign could lead to a change in leadership in the metro.

“We warmly welcome our new members and look forward to growing the DA in Nelson Mandela Bay while strengthening our efforts to improve the lives of residents,” he said.

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