Four low-level African National Congress (ANC) apparatchiks, including its Western Cape Provincial Secretary, Neville Delport, and two sitting ward councillors, have defected to the Democratic Alliance (DA).

DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille welcomed the foursome's defection as: “a milestone moment” and said it: “starts a process that will gather momentum in the months ahead.”

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party is: “not surprised nor shaken by the departure of Neville Delport.” She added that he joined: “a right-wing formation that is openly anti-transformation, anti-justice, and indifferent to the suffering of Palestinians,” and argued his exit: “validates that the ANC is on the right path; a path that prizes principle over position, and loyalty to the people over loyalty to privilege.”