The Democratic Alliance announced candidates for its top leadership positions on Tuesday, with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis facing an unexpected challenger in Sibusiso Dyonase for the federal leader role. The announcement follows a forced withdrawal and a leak of party finances ahead of the elective congress on 11-12 April. Nominations closed on 23 March.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) revealed its candidates for leadership positions at its federal congress scheduled for 11 and 12 April at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg. Current federal leader John Steenhuisen and Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille are stepping down. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, aged 39, was widely expected to succeed Steenhuisen, but Sibusiso Dyonase, DA caucus leader in Gauteng's Sedibeng District Municipality, emerged as a surprise contender for federal leader. Other races include federal chairperson, pitting incumbent Ivan Meyer against Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga, and first deputy chairperson, now contested by Cape Town councillor Carl Pophaim after national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau's withdrawal. Khakhau was barred by her Free State province for missing a month's tithes of R4,250, despite later payment. Congress spokesperson Nazley Sharif stated: “The DA applies rules for internal elections, and Ms Khakhau did not meet the requirements to stand as a candidate for the Federal Congress 2026.” A leaked report by former finance chairperson Dion George, who resigned in January 2026, detailed monthly top-up payments exceeding R305,000 to senior members including uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas, Tshwane's Cilliers Brink (R62,386 until 2026 elections), Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen, parliamentary chairperson Werner Horn, and Steenhuisen (R39,560 leader stipend). The DA declined comment. Pophaim, 28, emphasized unity behind Hill-Lewis: “We need to elect a leadership that is able to transition with the incoming federal leader, which will be Geordin Hill-Lewis.” For federal finance chair, contenders are Erik Marais, Fana Nkosi, and Dr Mark Burke, who said: “I’m running because I want to help ensure our finances are as fair and transparent as possible.” Pophaim noted the need to defeat the Patriotic Alliance in upcoming local elections.
