Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis elected DA leader

By Johnathan Paoli

City of Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was elected the new Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the party’s congress in Johannesburg on Sunday, marking a generational shift.

Hill-Lewis secured victory in a closely watched contest against Sedibeng leader Sibusiso Dyonase, as delegates concluded voting on the second day of the congress.

In his first remarks after being elected, Hill-Lewis struck a conciliatory tone, praising his opponent and signalling unity within the party.

“I want to start by honouring my fellow candidate, Sibusiso, this is a rising star in the DA. There should be absolutely no hard feelings between contestants against each other in our party. We want the best for one another. I want you to succeed, brother,” he said.

The election ushers in a new top leadership collective within the DA.

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga was elected as the party’s Federal Chairperson, while Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube was elected First Deputy Federal Chairperson.

Former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink secured the position of Second Deputy Federal Chairperson, and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi was elected Third Deputy Federal Chairperson.

In additional leadership outcomes, Mark Burke was elected Federal Finance Chair, while Ashor Sarupen was chosen as Chairperson of the Federal Council.

Supporting roles in the Federal Council were filled by JP Smith as First Deputy Chairperson, Thomas Walters as Second Deputy Chairperson, and Carl Pophaim as Third Deputy Chairperson.

In his acceptance speech, Hill-Lewis emphasised humility, duty, and a renewed mission to grow the party into a national governing force.

“I accept this responsibility with humility, with gratitude and with a deep sense of duty. However long I have the privilege of serving in this job, I will be dedicated to the mission of building a stronger South Africa