The DA has officially welcomed former member Liam Jacobs back into its ranks, framing his return as a testament to the party's “ongoing growth and inclusive vision” for South Africa.

Jacobs defected to the PA last year following a high-profile parliamentary clash with PA leader Gayton McKenzie. His return to the DA marks a significant political U-turn.

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis characterised the DA as a growing, inclusive political home dedicated to governance rather than sensationalism.

"The DA is growing across communities and across the country because more and more South Africans can see that we are serious about the future. We are not interested in the politics of chaos, personality cults, and empty promises.

"Hill-Lewis asserted that Jacobs chose to leave the PA after witnessing firsthand that the party failed to deliver on its commitments to voters,” Hill-Lewis stated.

Addressing the defection and subsequent return, Hill-Lewis praised Jacobs for correcting his course and rejected the notion that political departures should result in permanent hostility.

"The DA does not and will never subscribe to the school of politics that says once a bridge is burnt it can never be repaired, and that once someone has wronged you, they are dead to you," he said. "That is unhealthy in politics and in life.”

With local government elections scheduled for November, the party is leveraging Jacobs' return to signal its readiness to absorb diverse political perspectives.

"As we move towards the election in November, we invite South Africans from every community to join us in building a country that works for all," Hill-Lewis concluded.