At the Democratic Alliance's Federal Congress 2026 in Johannesburg, delegates elected Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as the party's new federal leader on Sunday, following pitches from candidates the day before. The 39-year-old secured over 90% of the vote against Sibusiso Dyonase and unveiled a four-point plan to expand the DA into South Africa's largest party by 2029, while installing a youthful new leadership team.
Wrapping up the DA's Federal Congress 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg—where over 2,000 delegates heard leadership pitches from candidates including Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sibusiso Dyonase on Saturday—Hill-Lewis was elected federal leader on Sunday with over 90% of the vote.
Accepting with 'humility, gratitude and with a deep sense of duty', the 39-year-old Cape Town mayor pledged to build 'a strong South Africa for everyone'. He outlined a four-point plan: demonstrating DA governance works for all, connecting with non-DA voters, serving as a principled GNU partner, and leading with belief in South Africa. Hill-Lewis intends to retain his mayoral role, appointing a GNU proxy.
The congress installed a youthful leadership team, mostly in their 30s: Ashor Sarupen, 37, as Chairperson of the Federal Council (replacing Helen Zille), while staying deputy finance minister and using Zoom/Gauteng office for balance. Solly Msimanga became federal chairperson, with deputies Solly Malatsi, Cilliers Brink, and Siviwe Gwarube.
This generational shift, younger than the EFF's leadership and echoing Tony Leon's 1996 era, positions the DA to target 30%+ in 2029 elections, starting with November locals in Gauteng metros like Johannesburg.
Delegates also approved anti-leak measures, eased membership terminations, and a new Ethical Governance Charter with asset disclosures and confidentiality pledges, proposed by Glynnis Breytenbach.
