PA Stands by Cheslyn Daniels for Cape Town Mayor Despite Assault Charges

The Patriotic Alliance has confirmed that Cheslyn Daniels will remain its mayoral candidate for Cape Town, even after his arrest and first court appearance on assault charges. Party leader Gayton McKenzie made the announcement publicly during a church service in Kensington, sending a clear signal about the party's loyalty to its own.

Speaking at the VGK Church in Kensington, McKenzie told supporters that Daniels would not be removed from the race for the November 4 local government elections. The endorsement comes just days after Daniels and his wife, Deveney, appeared in the Bellville Magistrate's Court over an incident involving Daniels' former wife and their minor child.

What did Gayton McKenzie say about Daniels' arrest?

McKenzie acknowledged that Daniels should have handled the incident differently, especially as the head of the PA's Cape Town campaign. But he made it clear that nobody in the party is perfect, and that Daniels' experience could serve as a lesson about handling difficult situations.

“My leader, Gayton McKenzie, has placed his trust in me. He has looked me in the eye, heard my story, and said: 'Cheslyn, you are the man for this job.' That is not just a vote of confidence in me. It is a declaration of the kind of party we are. A party that does not throw its own away when the storms come,” Daniels told the Cape Argus.

What charges does Cheslyn Daniels face?

Daniels faces charges of common assault and contravention of a protection order. His wife, Deveney Daniels, faces a common assault charge. The couple was released on bail following their appearance in the Bellville Magistrate's Court.

During bail proceedings, the court heard that a dispute allegedly arose over the child after a function. The defence said the child ran towards Daniels' vehicle and did not want to leave, before an emotionally charged confrontation allegedly followed. Daniels and his wife are expected to return to court on September 21.

How did Daniels respond to the political pressure?

Daniels acknowledged that the past week placed both his personal life and political future under intense scrutiny. He admitted he is not a perfect man, but positioned himself as a fighter and a son of the Cape Flats, ready to lead the charge for Cape Town.

“There are people out there who were waiting to throw sand on my political grave. But let me tell you, you came on the wrong day,” he said.

He said McKenzie also challenged him to deal with problems in his personal life.

“My leader reminded me that I must fix my house before I can fix the Cape. I accept that challenge. That is the mark of a true leader. Someone who holds you accountable but still believes in you,” Daniels said.

What happens next for the PA's campaign?

Daniels said his focus would now return to the PA's campaign and issues including crime, housing and jobs. McKenzie reaffirmed his confidence that Daniels could become Cape Town's next mayor, while warning that he would need to address personal challenges to lead the City successfully.

The decision to keep Daniels in the race raises questions about how the PA balances accountability with political loyalty, and what message this sends to voters ahead of the November elections.