The Democratic Alliance opened its federal congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Saturday, the party’s largest elective gathering to date.
More than 2,000 delegates will choose a new federal leader to replace John Steenhuisen, who announced in February he would not seek another term. Two candidates have put their names forward: Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sedibeng municipal caucus leader Sibusiso Dyonase.
Why it matters
The election will shape the direction of South Africa’s official opposition and its role in the Government of National Unity. Hill-Lewis, widely seen as the frontrunner, has committed to keeping the DA in the GNU coalition with the ANC.
The candidates
Hill-Lewis has positioned himself as a continuity candidate, pointing to Cape Town’s service delivery record under his leadership. He rejected suggestions that the congress would be a coronation, telling News24 he expected a contested race.
Dyonase has argued the party needs a leader from outside the Western Cape to broaden its appeal. He told EWN he believed his grassroots experience in Gauteng municipalities gave him the credentials to grow the party nationally.
What is at stake
This is the DA’s first full leadership renewal since its 22% showing in the May 2024 national elections, the result that earned it a seat at the GNU table. The new leader will inherit both the opportunities and the tensions of governing alongside the ANC.
Steenhuisen, who serves as Minister of Agriculture in the GNU cabinet, has said he will remain in government regardless of the outcome.
What happens next
Voting is expected on Saturday afternoon, with results announced before the congress closes on Sunday. The new leader will also inherit decisions about the DA’s 2029 election strategy and whether to deepen or scale back its GNU participation.