Democratic Alliance Federal Congress Convenes to Elect Successor to John Steenhuisen Before 2029 Polls

The DA convenes its largest congress to elect a successor to John Steenhuisen, with Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sibusiso Dyonase competing for the top post.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 8:33 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Independent Online (IOL)

Elective Congress Commences Amid Strategic Shift to National Governance

The Democratic Alliance officially began its elective federal congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand this weekend. Luyolo Mphithi, the party’s Federal Congress spokesperson, stated on Thursday that the event marks a turning point as the party transitions from an opposition role to a member of the Government of National Unity. Mphithi noted that the individual elected this weekend could potentially serve as the next president of South Africa in the 2029 general elections. This congress follows the decision by outgoing leader John Steenhuisen to step down and focus on his executive role as the Minister of Agriculture.

Competitive Race Between Cape Town Mayor and Sedibeng Caucus Leader

The contest for the leadership has narrowed down to two primary candidates: Geordin Hill-Lewis, the current Mayor of the City of Cape Town, and Sibusiso Dyonase, the party’s caucus leader in the Sedibeng District Municipality. Werner Horn, a presiding officer for the election, highlighted that both men bring distinct local government perspectives to the race. While Hill-Lewis is championed for his executive record in the Western Cape, Dyonase offers a viewpoint shaped by addressing systemic government failures in the Vaal region. The party intends to use the outcome to launch a renewed bid for outright majorities in municipalities nationwide.

Internal Reorganization Following Helen Zille’s Transition to Local Politics

Beyond the top leadership post, the congress is tasked with replacing Helen Zille as the Federal Council chairperson. Zille has moved her focus toward a mayoral campaign for the City of Johannesburg Municipality. Candidates vying for her former position include Dr. Mark Burke, the party’s finance spokesperson, Erik Marais, the shadow deputy minister of public enterprises, and Fanyana Nkosi, the federal finance chairperson. The results of this election, which were conducted on Thursday evening, are scheduled to be announced simultaneously with the new party leader on Sunday.