The DA on Thursday officially welcomed former ANC Ward 39 councillor Thembinkosi Mjuza to the party, announcing him as their newly fielded candidate for the same Cape Town ward.

DA Cape Town Metro chairperson JP Smith stated that Mjuza’s decision to switch allegiances was driven by the DA's consistent track record of service delivery, which the party said Mjuza witnessed firsthand on the ground.

Smith highlighted visible progress across Cape Town communities, citing recent upgrades to sports facilities and the release of City-owned land for development as key examples of governance that attracted the former ANC representative.

"He was also drawn to the City of Cape Town creating an environment that unlocks private investment in the city, which he envisions emulating in Gugulethu to empower local entrepreneurs and grow the township economy, creating even more jobs for Gugulethu residents," Smith said.

This alignment directly supports a core pledge by the DA mayoral candidate Geordin Hill-Lewis who has committed to creating 500 000 jobs in Cape Town over the next five years.

According to Smith, Mjuza’s departure from the ANC stems from a deepening disconnect between the ruling party and the communities it governs.

Mjuza reportedly expressed that the ANC "sabotages" the dignity of residents through a "me-first" approach to public service, where political cadres are rewarded at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Smith further claimed that Mjuza had repeatedly raised community concerns with the ANC leadership, only to face victimisation and intimidation for attempting to act in the best interest of his residents.

Running now under the DA banner, Mjuza will seek a renewed mandate in Ward 39.

Smith said that Mjuza's campaign will focus on putting residents first, ensuring consistent service delivery, and advancing the city's progress to "take Cape Town forward for all".