Cape Town – Former Cape Town mayor and MEC for community safety, Dan Plato, has left the Democratic Alliance (DA) to join the People’s Movement for Change (PMC), led by former ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman.
The PMC recently announced its intention to contest the upcoming general elections.
According to Daily Maverick, Plato, who served as Cape Town’s mayor in two separate stints, cited concerns about the DA’s departure from its original mandate to champion the interests of the poor and working class as the reason for his departure.
“The DA has moved away from its commitment to serving the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. The party seems to be stifling voices that do not align with a certain cabal, and critical outreach programmes designed to benefit the poor are being cancelled in the City of Cape Town and Western Cape government,” the report quoted Plato as saying.
Former Cape Town mayor Dan Plato has resigned from the DA and joined Marius Fransman’s People’s Movement for Change. Plato was a provincial legislator member up until 17 minutes ago. He says the DA is losing its identity and is no longer a political home for the poor, working and… pic.twitter.com/NcIM3gswQv
— Veve (@LudidiVelani) February 13, 2024
He also expressed disappointment with the DA’s stance on Israel’s war in Gaza.
“The DA’s suppression of pro-Palestine voices within the party is deeply troubling. This stifling of diverse opinions not only contradicts the principles of justice and equality. As someone dedicated to upholding the rights of all, I believe in fostering open dialogue on critical global issues, and the DA’s current stance on the Palestinian question is incompatible with those values.”
The resignation of Plato has been welcomed by the provincial leader of the DA, Tertuis Simmers, EWN reported.
“The DA notes the resignation of Dan Plato as member of the Western Cape provincial Parliament and member of the DA. We thank him for his years of service, both to the DA, and at different levels of government,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
