The NCC’s Western Cape deputy leader, Yumnah Stevens, has resigned from the party ahead of Wednesday’s elections.
The National Coloured Congress (NCC) has lost two Cape Town councillors in the space of days, with Western Cape deputy leader Yumnah Stevens becoming the latest to resign just ahead of Wednesday's elections.
Stevens, a City of Cape Town proportional representation (PR) councillor, announced her resignation with immediate effect on Sunday, following fellow NCC councillor Dean Goliath's departure to join the One Love Alliance.
The twin departures come at a crucial time for the NCC as political parties prepare for Wednesday’s municipal polls.
Stevens rules out election bid
Stevens, who also serves as the party's deputy leader in the Western cape, said her decision followed careful consideration.
In a statement, she said: “Following careful consideration, I have taken the decision to step away from the party and wish to make it clear that I will no longer be representing, contesting, or standing for the NCC in any capacity in the upcoming elections on 4 November 2026.”
She thanked NCC president Fadiel Adams and the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence entrusted in her.
“I acknowledge and appreciate the experience gained during my time with the organisation,” she said.
Stevens also made it clear that she would not be aligning herself with, representing or standing for another political party in the upcoming elections.
She wished the NCC leadership well and thanked those who had supported her during her political journey.
Adams wishes departing councillor well
Asked about Stevens’s resignation on Monday, NCC leader Fadiel Adams thanked her for her service and wished her well.
“We wish her well going forward. Any organisation will feel the effects of anyone coming or leaving. The growth of this party is exponential, and more will come, and some will leave. This is the nature of politics,” Adams told Daily Voice.
Stevens’s resignation follows Goliath’s departure on Wednesday, when he announced that he was leaving the NCC to join the One Love Alliance.
Goliath cites differences over party direction
Goliath said his decision was informed by his experience as a community activist and his involvement in politics over the years.
He said his understanding of organisational development, political strategy and effective organisational structures was no longer aligned with the NCC’s direction and approach.
He insisted that his departure was not driven by bitterness, hostility or personal grievances, nor was it about positions, titles or recognition.
Adams responded to Goliath’s resignation by thanking him for his service.
“We thank Dean for his service and wish him well. Full stop,” Adams told IOL Media.