The resignation of ANC leader in Council Banele Majingo for the DA has intensified the power struggle between the rival parties, with the 2026 local government elections now less than a year away.
The move could trigger further membership poaching and potential party infiltration, deepening political instability in an already volatile landscape, political analyst Sanet Solomons warned.
Majingo’s resignation came as a shock to opposition parties in the City on Thursday, as he was expected to lead a motion of no confidence against DA speaker Felicity Purchase.
In February, Majingo submitted the motion on behalf of the multiparty opposition. To their surprise Thursday, Majinga was a no-show and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced he had joined the DA.
This resulted in the motion of no confidence being dismissed from the agenda.
In a video statement, Majingo said: “Today I stand before you with a heavy heart, torn between my loyalty with the organisation for so long and my conviction that it is time for me to take a different path. I am resigning from all positions effectively immediately. While it is a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action for me at this time. After careful consideration I have come to realise that my personal values and principles are now more aligned with those of the DA.”
DA Metro Chairperson JP Smith said: “Today is a historic moment in the City of Cape Town, as Councillor Majingo has resigned as Leader of the Opposition and as Leader of the ANC in the City Council, and has joined the DA. We welcome him warmly as a member of the DA. Banele Majingo has been a lifelong political activist and servant. His fight for democracy began in his youth, a time when he was expelled from school for having a copy of the Freedom Charter.”
Approached for comment on whether Majingo had been offered a position in the City, the DA said no.
Majingo did not respond to the same questions posed to him by the Cape Times.
The ANC said Majingo had been implicated in the Kgalema report, which highlighted serious concerns regarding the manipulated candidate selection process within the ANC.
“As early as last year, we communicated with the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), urging a review of his position as leader of the opposition. The PEC was already in the process of approving the decision of the Regional Executive Committee (REC) to address these issues. Majingo's resignation is not a principled stand for governance as he claims; rather, it stems from his fear that he would face challenges in manipulating the candidate selection process for the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
"His departure is ultimately a strategic move to safeguard his position in council and protect his salary, rather than a genuine commitment to clean governance. We view his resignation as an opportunity for renewal within our party. It is a clear indication that beneficiaries of wrongdoing are beginning to distance themselves as the ANC takes decisive steps towards unity and renewal,” said ANC regional spokesperson, Akhona Jonginamba.
Majingo did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
GOOD City Councillor, Jonathan Cupido said Majingo not only betrayed his party but all members of the Cape Town opposition.
"As GOOD, we will bring our own motion of confidence against the speaker. It is clear we cannot rely on the majority opposition, the ANC. They have become unreliable and ineffective. Purchase has failed in her duty to represent all members of council and must be held accountable.”
Solomons said it was a sign of things to come.
“Banele Majingo's resignation from the ANC during the City of Cape Town's council sitting was both abrupt and unexpected given his position as caucus leader. The rationale for his decision was even more damning and indicative to his lack of commitment to the ANC as he indicated that his values now align with that of the DA. While this could be a reasonable explanation, the timing is rather suspicious.
"This political manoeuvre displays the dynamics between the ANC and the DA. It highlights the fragments in the relationship between the two parties and their desires to win the next election at all costs. This may result in further membership poaching and possible party infiltration which would ultimately create a more turbulent political environment," said Solomons.
She added that while the DA and the MK party were ideologically different they appear to be using the same tactics to weaken rivals.
"Both parties now share a history of poaching key figures from rival parties. Thus, creating a precedent that could ultimately result in parties headhunting individuals that rivals need. The question remains on whether these individuals can be trusted once they join this new party. What prohibits them from turning again?"
Cape Times
