Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially launched his campaign for the federal leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA) on Friday, February 27,2026. The announcement, made at the Elsies River Civic Center, signals a major generational shift in South Africa's second-largest political party.
The move comes just weeks after the current federal leader, John Steenhuisen, confirmed he would not seek re-election at the party's upcoming elective conference in April. Steenhuisen's departure marks the end of a leadership era that saw DA enter national government for the first time as part of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
A call for renewal
Addressing a crowd of supporters and high-ranking party officials, the 39-year-old Hill-Lewis framed his candidacy as an opportunity for “renewal”.
“I know South Africa can work, and I want to help make it work,” Hill-Lewis stated. “This leadership election is an opportunity for our party to renew itself again. If we are to build a stronger South Africa, we must have a stronger DA.”
Hill-Lewis, who has served as the Mayor of Cape Town since 2021, is widely considered the front-runner. His campaign is bolstered by high-profile endorsements, including Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and former Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink. Brink praised Hill-Lewis as a leader capable of “leading the country,” not just the party.
The road to the federal congress
The DA's Federal Congress is scheduled for April 11-12, 2026, in Gauteng. While Hill-Lewis is the favourite, the race is expected to be competitive. Potential and confirmed challengers include:
- Solly Msimanga: The DA's Gauteng Leader, who brings significant influence from the country's economic heartland.
- Ashor Sarupen: The current Deputy Minister of Finance, who has also expressed interest in senior leadership roles.
The transition comes at a critical time as the DA prepares for the 2026 local government elections. Party strategists are eager to use the leadership change to consolidate their performance in the GNU and expand their footprint in municipalities nationwide.
Dual roles?
Questions have been raised about whether Hill-Lewis can effectively lead both the City of Cape Town and a national political party. Hill-Lewis has indicated that he intends to remain Mayor, citing the “Cape Town model” of governance as a blueprint for what the DA can achieve nationally.
Nominations for the leadership positions will remain open until March 23, 2026.