Cachalia explains uneasiness with DA
Ghaleb Cachalia’s fallout with the DA over his opposition to Israel’s invasion of Gaza has led to his resignation from the party and as an MP.
Cachalia, who announced his resignation on Thursday, has been vocal about Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza and has refused to comply with a party instruction to keep quiet about his views.
The party accepted his detailed resignation with immediate effect, though Cachalia indicated to DA federal executive committee chair Helen Zille the effective date of his resignation is February 16 to allow the party to pursue a disciplinary inquiry should this be decided on.
DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi said the party would write to the speaker of parliament, Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, to fill the vacancy left by Cachalia.
Cachalia said he is also concerned, and has communicated as such, about the perceptible shift by the party to the right — away from centrist liberal values and principles.
“I remain committed to the values and principles of a party I joined eight years ago, to stem the malfeasance, ineptitude and failed policies of many years of ANC governance, which has brought SA to a parlous state.
“I have, during the course of this, discovered the value of processes which link constituents and their elected representatives in a direct and transparent fashion, while honouring the principle of freedom of speech.”
It is the second high-profile resignation from the DA this week after Khume Ramulifho left to join Rise Mzansi.
Cachalia writes in his resignation letter that in the circumstances he does not believe he would have been on the DA’s list of candidates for parliament even though he maintains he met the requirements in an evaluation process.
Following his public statement about Israel, which the DA claimed was reserved for its spokesperson on international relations & co-operation, Emma Powell, Cachalia was removed from his position in the DA shadow cabinet as spokesperson for public enterprises.
Cachalia said he had received a “cease and desist” notification from the party regarding his public statements. In the letter dated January 16, Zille cautioned Cachalia to stop making any public comments on matters that fall within Powell’s portfolio. Failure to comply would result in his removal as a party member.
The letter — attached as an appendix to Cachalia’s statement — also said any public release or discussion of its contents would be regarded as an additional disparagement of the federal executive committee.
Cachalia has disputed the validity of any firm and documented policy as approved through appropriate structures and says he has not been provided with any caucus decision which empowered Powell to make statements on the situation in Gaza.
“This evinces a growing dysfunctional, undemocratic and authoritarian tendency in the party,” Cachalia said.
He said there had been a noticeable shift of the DA to the right and away from liberal values and freedom of expression. He could no longer serve the party in its current form and under John Steenhuisen’s leadership.
“I am of the firm belief that insofar as such policy may exist on the war in Gaza, I have not directly contradicted party policy in any way.
“As a consequence, I cannot but infer that party leadership intends not only to sideline me but also to prevent my return as a candidate MP on the list for the 2024 elections.”
He said there had been no response to his request for mediation by the DA’s federal legal commission and to meet Steenhuisen — which, according to Cachalia, was conditional on his providing him with an apology.
Cachalia did not give an indication of his future political home, saying he would consider his options.
Malatsi said Cachalia had incorrectly characterised the DA’s position on the war in Gaza. “The DA remains irrevocably committed to peace, to a twostate solution and to the creation of a sovereign and unoccupied Palestine in peaceful coexistence next to a secure Israel,” he said.
He accused Cachalia of disrespecting party processes, his colleagues and the diversity of views in the DA.
“The party rejects Cachalia’s attempts to scapegoat 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.”