New era for DA: Hill-Lewis wins federal leadership race

Share the Article:

Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the new federal leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), a decision revealed during the party’s federal congress on Sunday.

Hill-Lewis succeeds John Steenhuisen, who has been at the helm for eight years as leader after defeating Sibusiso Dyonase, the Sedibeng Caucus leader.

Over 2,000 delegates participated in the DA’s largest Federal Congress to date, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

At 39 years old, Hill-Lewis, who previously served as the mayor of Cape Town and as a leader within the DA, is poised to guide the party with the ambitious goal of winning the national election scheduled for 2029.

Delivering his inaugural speech as the leader of the party, he reflected on his personal journey within the DA, emphasizing that attaining this position has been a longstanding aspiration of his.

“I accept this responsibility with humility, with gratitude, and with a deep sense of duty. I stand before you as your newly elected leader with one promise:

“However long I have the privilege of serving in this job, I will be dedicated to the mission of building a stronger South Africa for everyone.

“South Africa is worth it. We have a great country. And we are a great people. We all love this country too much to see it fail. Together we will build a stronger South Africa. And, to do that, we will build a stronger democratic alliance.

“The question is not whether we can oppose or whether we can govern. The question is whether the DA can lead the country. Whether we can become the largest party in the national government.

“And, as your newly elected leader, my answer is a resounding ‘YES!’ Yes, we can. That is the mission you have assigned to me: To grow the DA into the largest party in South Africa.

“And to lead a new national government. Everything I do, as your leader, will be to complete that mission,” he remarked.

Elected federal leadership

Solly Msimanga assumes the role of Federal Chairperson.

The positions of Deputy Federal Chairpersons are filled by Siviwe Gwarube as the 1st Deputy, Cilliers Brink as the 2nd Deputy, and Solly Malatsi as the 3rd Deputy.

The authoritative leadership of the Federal Council is structured under the Chairperson, Ashor Sarupen, who presides over the council’s activities.

ALSO READ | Lesufi’s cabinet shake-up: Power play to secure ANC provincial chair post, claims opposition

Assisting him are three deputy chairpersons: JP Smith, serving as the 1st deputy; Thomas Walters, the 2nd deputy; and Carl Pophaim, holding the position of 3rd deputy.

Additionally, in the realm of financial oversight, Dr. Mark Burke is designated as the chairperson of federal finance, ensuring that the financial operations are managed effectively within the council’s framework.