Paul Jacobson resigns as councillor, FF+ refutes internal process claims
Paul Jacobson has resigned as a City of Cape Town councillor, citing emotional strain, while the Freedom Front Plus denies claims that he was facing any internal disciplinary processes.
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The Freedom Front Plus has denied that former City of Cape Town councillor Paul Jacobson was facing any internal party processes when he resigned this week.
Jacobson announced that he had tendered his resignation, saying he could no longer, “in good faith and good conscience, accept a wage from the rate payer, when I see the pain and suffering from community and residents”.
Describing himself as “a very emotional and compassionate human”, he said the trauma shared with him daily had become overwhelming.
“With the amount of tragedy and trauma sent to me daily, most people would have landed up in a mental institution,” he said, adding that after “8 years of community work and 5 years of councillorship”, he felt he had “forsaken my family and friends”.
However, sources closely involved with City Council alleged that Jacobson may have been facing internal party processes at the time of his resignation and that complaints had previously been raised during his tenure, a claim the party has rejected.
Responding to questions from the Cape Argus, FF+ leader Dr Corné Mulder said Jacobson was “not facing any internal disciplinary proceedings” and that there was “no process that could have led to his suspension or expulsion”.
“Mr Jacobson has made it very clear that his resignation as a councillor was because of emotional strain, trauma related to community matters, and a desire to step away from public office. These are personal reasons and I think it should be respected,” Mulder said.
Mulder also denied that Jacobson had been advised to resign or that there had been any conflict between him and the party’s chief whip in council, Erika Botha-Rossouw.
“As a matter of fact, there were attempts to convince him not to resign,” he said.
Mulder further suggested that the allegations originated from individuals aligned to the Democratic Alliance, claiming some DA members had been in “serious conflict” with Jacobson over time.
Jacobson served five years as a public representative in local government, advocating on issues including municipal service delivery, by-law enforcement and community concerns. He was active on social media and in council forums, often taking outspoken positions aligned with party policy.
His political profile included commentary on informal trading permit policies, which he publicly criticised as unfair, drawing attention to regulatory practices in the city.
His tenure also attracted controversy at times. During an earlier campaign for council, previous media reports highlighted social media posts attributed to him that drew criticism and raised questions about tone and judgment. Some of his online comments and interactions were challenged by political opponents and community groups who viewed them as divisive.
Mulder said Jacobson “remains a loyal and enthusiastic member” of the FF+ and would continue to advocate as a community activist in Cape Town.
The party said it would fill the council vacancy after completing its internal processes.
His resignation comes months before the next local government elections.