Midrand, South Africa – Geordin Hill Lewis has been elected as the new federal leader of the Democratic Alliance, taking over from John Steenhuisen at the party’s federal congress held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
Hill Lewis, who currently serves as Mayor of Cape Town, now carries the responsibility of growing the party and steering it through an increasingly complex political landscape marked by coalition governments and shifting voter expectations.
The announcement was made before delegates gathered at the congress, where DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga was also elected as federal chairperson, the second most senior position in the party. A proposal to amend the DA constitution to create a deputy federal leader position was rejected a day earlier.
Hill Lewis succeeds Steenhuisen, who led the party since 2019 and oversaw its entry into the Government of National Unity. Steenhuisen had been credited with stabilising the party during a turbulent period and rebuilding its electoral support.
In his acceptance speech, Hill Lewis paid tribute to former leaders Tony Leon, Helen Zille, Mmusi Maimane and John Steenhuisen.
“I accept this responsibility with humility, with gratitude and with a deep sense of duty. I stand before you as your newly elected leader with one promise.
“However long I have the privilege of serving in this job, I will be dedicated to a mission of building a stronger South Africa for everyone because South Africa is truly worth it. We have a great country, and we are a great people and we love this country way too much to see it fail. So together we will build a stronger South Africa, and to that we will build a stronger DA,” he said.
He outlined four priorities aimed at expanding the party’s reach and consolidating its influence.
First, the DA must continue to demonstrate effective governance where it is in power. Second, it must connect more deeply with South Africans who have not previously voted for the party, without neglecting its existing support base. Third, the party must act as a principled and reliable partner in the national government and in other coalition arrangements. Lastly, DA members must lead with firm belief in the country’s potential.
On Saturday, addressing delegates ahead of his election, Hill Lewis said the party’s goal is to become the largest political party in South Africa.
“Our mission is to build the DA into the biggest party in South Africa; that is the prize before us. Not victory for its own sake, and not power as an end in itself, but growth with a purpose and strength in the service of our beautiful country.
“A party strong enough to shape the future of South Africa in line with our values, but friends, if we are to be that party, then the DA must offer South Africa more than competence alone.
“Of course, competence matters a great deal, and it is our greatest strength, but on its own, it cannot be enough. South Africa is, of course, hungry for a party that can govern and fix our towns and cities, but it is also hungry for a party that understands what life is like for ordinary people struggling to get by.
“A party that listens, shows up and takes people seriously. So the DA must combine competence with humility, principle with humanity and discipline with warmth. That is the kind of politics I believe in and the kind of politics I believe South Africa is looking for,” he said.
Political analyst Theo Neethling, a research fellow in political studies and governance at the University of the Free State, recently pointed to several challenges awaiting the new leader.
“First, he will have to address racial and voter perceptions, as the DA struggles to expand its support base beyond minority groups. In addition, the growing reality of coalition politics requires pragmatism, strategic thinking and strong negotiation skills.
“A further challenge will be to find a balance between liberal principles and more popular policy approaches to garner broader support.
“He will also have to strengthen internal party unity after previous divisions, while at the same time promoting the party’s geographical expansion beyond the Western Cape, particularly in provinces such as Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal,” he said.
Neethling added that Hill Lewis could consolidate internal unity and expand the party’s footprint if he successfully blends service delivery, coalition management and an inclusive leadership style.
Steenhuisen, reflecting on his tenure, told delegates that he inherited a party facing serious internal and public confidence challenges in 2019.
“The party I inherited in 2019 was on its knees, polling at 16%, divided, and riven by a crisis of confidence.
“The media confidently proclaimed the death of the DA. But, together, the people in this room refused to accept decline as our destiny,” he said.
He stated that the DA now regularly polls close to 30 percent and, for the first time in its history, co governs the Republic of South Africa.
“Not only are we now routinely polling close to 30%. But, for the first time in the history of our party, the DA now co-governs the Republic of South Africa.
“That is what we pledged to the people of South Africa at our last congress, and that is exactly what we delivered,” he said.
Steenhuisen said he would now focus on his ministerial role in government while supporting the party’s new leadership as it charts its next chapter.
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