Geordin Hill-Lewis, the mayor of Cape Town, has been elected as the new leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's second-largest political party. His election at the elective Federal Congress 2026, which the DA described as the largest in its history, marks a pivotal political moment as the party prepares for upcoming local government elections and sharpens its long-term strategy to lead national government by 2029. Hill-Lewis succeeds John Steenhuisen, who led the DA since 2019 and guided it into the government of national unity (GNU) after the 2024 general election. Hill-Lewis secured his victory by defeating Gauteng challenger Sibusiso Dyonase.

In his acceptance speech, the 39-year-old Hill-Lewis, who will continue in his role as Cape Town mayor, laid out a bold electoral roadmap. His vision focuses on significantly expanding the DA’s national footprint and contesting key metros in the upcoming local government elections. He articulated the party's ambition to move beyond being an opposition force and coalition partner to becoming the largest party in the country. "The question is whether the DA can lead the country," Hill-Lewis told delegates. "Whether we can become the largest party in national government. And, as your newly elected leader, my answer is a resounding yes." He emphasized, "We spent years building a party that could be a strong opposition. Then we built a party that could govern. Now we must build the biggest party in South Africa."

A major focus of his speech was the 2026 local government elections, which he described as the next critical test under his leadership. Hill-Lewis named Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Durban, and Nelson Mandela Bay as crucial battleground metros, asserting that "if we work hard, we can win more towns and cities than ever before." Crime and policing also featured prominently, with Hill-Lewis stating, "Bringing law and order to South Africa must be our top priority. Not one priority among many. The priority." He also reaffirmed the DA’s commitment to its role within the GNU, pledging that the party would continue as a "strong and principled partner in national government."

The Federal Congress also saw the election of a new top leadership structure. Former Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga was elected federal chairperson. The three deputy federal chairperson positions went to Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink, and Communications Minister Solly Malatsi. Ashor Sarupen was elected chairperson of the federal council, with JP Smith, Thomas Walters, and Carl Pophaim elected as his deputies. Dr. Mark Burke was elected chairperson of federal finance.

Following his election, Hill-Lewis is scheduled to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa for a "meet-and-greet." Party sources indicated that this initial meeting is largely ceremonial and not expected to involve significant policy discussions, with deeper engagements anticipated in future rounds. Speculation is also circulating about an imminent shake-up of ministerial positions within the DA. Ashor Sarupen is expected to vacate his position as deputy finance minister after being elected chairperson of the Federal Council, a role equivalent to secretary-general which requires full-time party management. Newly elected federal chairperson Solly Msimanga has been tipped for a ministerial position, though the specific portfolio was not disclosed.

Addressing journalists, Hill-Lewis asserted that no one in the DA is ever entitled to a position, stressing that roles do not belong to individuals for life. He stated that the party places individuals in positions based on their performance and expects them to demonstrate to South Africans how the DA can build the country. Regarding a potential cabinet shake-up, he committed to an internal discussion, stating that decisions would be performance-based and aimed at showing the DA's positive impact on the public. Concerning former leader John Steenhuisen, Hill-Lewis defended his continued involvement, particularly in his efforts to combat the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. He supported Steenhuisen's plan to bring the disease under control and achieve 80% vaccination by year-end, emphasizing the need to back him during this critical period. "You don’t leave your team stranded in the middle of a war," Hill-Lewis said.