Grandi Tienessen resigns from VF Plus to join DA ahead of local elections

Freedom Front Plus regional chairperson, Grandi Tienessen, has resigned from his party to join the Democratic Alliance (DA) in anticipation of the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026. Tienessen cited disagreements with the party’s national leadership and its handling of internal matters, as well as dissatisfaction stemming from undemocratic interference by Cape Town leadership in municipal affairs.

He also mentioned not being given a fair chance to respond to allegations against him. Tienessen, who has been with VF Plus since 1994, claimed leaving a party he had belonged to for over three decades was a difficult and traumatic decision. However, he expressed his desire to continue the work started during the previous multi-party coalition administration in Tshwane.

He highlighted progress made in areas such as city finances, law enforcement, and municipal management, including a R600 million saving from freezing salaries in the 2026 financial year. DA Federal Council chairperson, Ashok Sarupen, welcomed Tienessen to the DA, stating that uniting opposition voters behind the party in Tshwane is crucial for the capital city's well-being.

Brink, Tienessen's counterpart in the DA, welcomed him and emphasized the value of his experience in the previous coalition. Fred Nel, DA Gauteng provincial chairperson, noted that Tienessen's move was part of the party's broader effort to attract individuals from different political backgrounds. Tienessen expressed no intention of engaging in a public dispute with VF Plus, stating that he would now focus on contributing to the DA and Tshwane before the November election.