US EditionSouth African coalition party elects Cape Town mayor as new leader
Hill-Lewis won the internal race over Sibusiso Dyonase as the DA seeks to broaden support before local elections, officials said.
- On Sunday, the Democratic Alliance elected Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as its new leader during the party's Federal Congress in Midrand. The 39-year-old succeeds Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to lead South Africa's second-largest party.
- Steenhuisen chose not to run for re-election to focus on his ministerial responsibilities within the coalition government. He led the pro-business party since 2019, successfully negotiating its entry into the 10-party coalition led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- The congress also elected Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen as Federal Council Chairperson, replacing Helen Zille, while Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga was named federal chairperson. Hill-Lewis stated his mission is to build the DA into the biggest party in South Africa.
- Hill-Lewis will lead the party into the 2029 national polls, aiming to capitalize on voter discontent with the ruling African National Congress. The DA currently holds 22% of parliamentary seats and seeks to expand its power base.
- Analysts note the DA's perception of representing 'white privilege' remains a limiting factor in a country more than 90% non-white. Hill-Lewis faces pressure to broaden the party's appeal while navigating its role in the coalition government.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Kapstädter Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis becomes party leader of the Democratic Alliance. The party is preparing for an important election year.
Geordin Hill-Lewis elected DA leader: FULL acceptance speech
Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the new Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance, marking a significant turning point for South Africa’s second-largest political party. The 39-year-old, who currently serves as Executive Mayor of Cape Town, secured victory over Sedibeng caucus leader Sibusiso Dyonase during the party’s Federal Congress on Sunday. Leadership transition at a critical time Geordin Hill-Lewis succeeds John Steenhuisen, who ha…
Hill-Lewis takes helm of DA leadership – The Mail & Guardian
Geordin Hill-Lewis was elected leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) on Sunday, placing the Cape Town mayor at the helm of South Africa’s second-largest party at a pivotal political moment. His election comes as the DA gears up for the upcoming local government elections later this year while also sharpening its longer-term strategy to lead national government in 2029. Hill-Lewis succeeds John Steenhuisen, who stepped down after leading the DA …
Associated Press News
South Africa's second-biggest party elects new leader
South Africa's Democratic Alliance has elected Geordin Hill-Lewis as its new leader. Hill-Lewis, currently Cape Town's mayor, was chosen at the party's federal congress in Johannesburg on Sunday.
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