Geordin Hill-Lewis Wins DA Leadership Race at Federal Congress

• Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the new federal leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA)
• Hill-Lewis secured the leadership position after defeating Sibusiso Dyonase in the internal race
• He takes over from John Steenhuisen, who did not seek re-election, to focus on his ministerial duties

Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.

GAUTENG, MIDRAND - Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the new federal leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), following a vote at the party's federal congress held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Sunday, 12 April 2026.

Hill-Lewis elected new DA leader

Hill-Lewis secured the leadership position after defeating Sibusiso Dyonase in the internal race. He takes over from John Steenhuisen, who did not seek re-election to focus on his ministerial duties. In his first address as party leader, Hill-Lewis reflected on his long-standing ambition to lead the DA, recalling how he attended the party's 2007 congress at the same venue where Helen Zille was elected leader.

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The congress also resulted in several key leadership appointments. Solly Msimanga was elected as federal chairperson. Three deputy federal chairpersons were also elected: Solly Malatsi, Cilliers Brink, and Siviwe Gwarube. Ashor Sarupen was elected as chairperson of the Federal Council, a role responsible for the party's day-to-day administration and often likened to a secretary-general position. He will be supported by deputies JP Smith, Thomas Walters, and Carl Pophaim. Meanwhile, Mark Burke has been appointed to chair the party's Federal Finance Committee.

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A proposed amendment to create a deputy federal leader position has exposed divisions within the Democratic Alliance (DA) ahead of the party's federal congress. Delegates gathering at the Gallagher Convention Centre are expected to vote on several constitutional changes, including whether the party should introduce a formal second-in-command role for the first time. Supporters of the proposal have argued that the DA's participation in the Government of National Unity (GNU) has created a need for additional leadership capacity.

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) launched a billboard in Mamelodi, Tshwane, on 3 March 2026, taunting Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and highlighting the province’s water crisis. Eyewitness News posted a video of the launch on its @ewnreporter X account. The DA’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate, Helen Zille, and the party’s leader in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Solly Msimanga, also attended. The billboard shows two contrasting messages. On the left, Lesufi is shown showering while fully clothed. The caption reads “The ANC showers in hotels.

The Democratic Alliance has released a statement following the resignation of Dr Dion George, saying that it was unfortunate he did so before facing a disciplinary hearing. Dr George, the former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), resigned as the party’s Chairperson of Federal Finance and as a member of the party after 30 years.

Source: Briefly News