The Patriotic Alliance has gained seats in recent by-elections across South Africa, outperforming former coalition partners like the DA and ANC. Led by Gayton McKenzie, the party is campaigning aggressively for the upcoming local government elections, emphasizing capable leadership amid municipal instability. Analysts note the PA's populist appeal is drawing support from marginalized communities.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA), under leader Gayton McKenzie, has seen significant growth in recent by-elections. In 2025, the party won seats in DA strongholds of Drakenstein and Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, as well as a ward from the ANC in Soweto. This follows a pattern of expansion from its low base since formation in 2013, when it received just 0.07% of votes in the general elections, improving to 0.97% in the 2021 municipal polls for 75 seats, now at 97.
In the 2024 general election, the PA secured 677,719 votes (2.06%), earning nine National Assembly seats and one in the National Council of Provinces, joining the Government of National Unity. McKenzie serves as minister of sport, arts and culture, advocating pro-Israel and anti-foreigner positions. The party has dispatched leaders like MP Ashley Sauls to eThekwini, national chairperson Marlon Daniels to the Western Cape, and McKenzie to the Free State for campaigning.
In George, Western Cape, the PA increased from one to six council seats after January and February by-elections, becoming the third-largest party there. National spokesperson Steve Motale stated the party aims to expand in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, and beyond, focusing on areas like the Garden Route and Cape Metro. Elections analyst Wayne Sussman observed, “Across the board, you are seeing the Patriotic Alliance make deep inroads.”
The PA holds 10 seats in Johannesburg, with deputy leader Kenny Kunene, a councillor and mayoral committee member for roads and transport, eyeing the mayoral position. However, controversies surround McKenzie's tenure, including unfulfilled promises like donating his salary to the Joshlin Smith Foundation and hosting Formula 1 in 2026, which he later retracted. His cancellation of artist Gabrielle Goliath's Venice Biennale participation drew criticism over artistic freedom.
Political scientist Professor Susan Booysen noted the PA's resonance with marginalized voters, particularly coloured communities feeling overlooked. In George, resident Bronwyn Minnaar said, “I’ll vote for the PA... I see they are making a change.” Another, Anita, switched from the ANC after PA aid following a house fire.
DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers alleged irregular voter registrations in George by-elections, claiming 80-90 people registered at one address. The IEC investigated and rejected the objection, finding voters correctly registered but geo-coded incorrectly. Motale dismissed the claims, asserting genuine support.
Booysen described the PA as favorably positioned among smaller parties due to by-election wins, though skeptical of national dominance.
