Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has responded to recent reports about the resignation of multiple Members of Parliament (MPs) from the party, including the nation’s youngest MP, Cleo Wilskut.
Story Summary:
- Gayton McKenzie dismisses reports of crisis within the Patriotic Alliance, saying MP resignations are part of a 2026 election strategy.
- Four MPs, including South Africa’s youngest MP, Cleo Wilskut, resigned in what the party calls a “redeployment.”
- The party plans to reposition its members and strengthen ahead of the upcoming elections.
Gayton McKenzie plays down Patriotic Alliance MP resignations
McKenzie clarified the situation, insisting that the changes are part of a long-term strategy to prepare the party for the 2026 local government elections.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), McKenzie addressed the rumours directly, stating:
“All card-carrying members of [Patriotic Alliance] have been aware for weeks that we have asked half our MPs to resign and a lot of our councillors. We are preparing for 2026, and this is all part of our strategy. We have no crisis; we have disciplined members that heeded the call of NEC.”
McKenzie’s explanation comes as speculation grew over the departure of four PA MPs, including Wilskut, who made headlines earlier this year as South Africa’s youngest MP.
In a video posted on X, Wilskut announced her resignation from Parliament, thanking the party leadership and expressing optimism for the PA’s future.
“I am looking forward to growing the Patriotic Alliance forever, ons baiza nie [we’re not scared, we don’t stand back], die plan gaan aan [the work continues]. Salute,” she said.
The party’s official stance on these departures is that they are part of a “redeployment” effort.
PA spokesperson Steve Motale echoed McKenzie’s sentiment, stating:
“A number of our MPs are being redeployed, including Wilskut. The details around their replacements are currently being finalised.”
This restructuring, the PA says, is intended to solidify the party’s base and position it strategically ahead of the next major election cycle.
The appointments of Wilskut, 20, and Jasmine Petersen, 22, were seen as groundbreaking for South Africa’s Parliament, with supporters celebrating the inclusion of young voices in government.
However, the move also attracted scepticism, with some questioning the readiness of such young representatives for the demands of parliamentary work.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo confirmed that Wilskut’s position in the National Assembly remains vacant for now.
The PA is in the process of finalising her replacement along with the other resignations as part of the redeployment strategy.
