The Democratic Alliance (DA) has terminated the membership of KwaDukuza councillor Rishi Pooran following an internal process over his conduct and commitment to the party.

DA iLembe political head Sakhile Mngadi said Pooran was no longer a DA public representative or candidate for the November 4 local government elections.

Mngadi alleged that Pooran had repeatedly failed to meet organisational and political targets over the past 12 months, including holding public meetings, growing party support and fulfilling campaign and constituency responsibilities.

He said Pooran had also recently campaigned against the DA, prompting the matter and supporting evidence to be referred to the party’s federal structures.

Pooran strongly denied the allegations and said he had never been called to a meeting or disciplinary hearing over his performance.

“At no time was I summoned and told that I was falling short in my work. A true leader would have engaged with me if there was a problem. That never happened,” he said.

Pooran maintained that he had continued serving residents despite challenges within his branch.

“My work in my community speaks volumes. The party didn’t vote me in, it was the voters who trusted me to represent them,” he said.

Relations between Pooran and the DA had already soured by July, when he withdrew his application to stand as a party candidate in the 2026 elections.

In a July 3 letter, Pooran raised concerns about what he described as a lack of impartiality and fairness in the candidate selection process. He alleged that some aspiring candidates had campaigned against sitting public representatives and that others appeared to receive preferential treatment.

Pooran said this had led to a breakdown of trust with the DA’s constituency leadership.

Mngadi said Pooran’s contribution to party and constituency work had effectively stopped after he withdrew his candidacy, despite retaining his council seat.

He said the DA remained focused on the November 4 elections and building a team capable of governing KwaDukuza.

“Our team in KwaDukuza is strong, united and motivated,” said Mngadi.