The Democratic Alliance (DA) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Geordin Hill-Lewis as its Federal Leader at the party’s largest-ever Federal Congress.
In his acceptance speech, Hill-Lewis struck a tone of optimism and determination, positioning the DA as a party ready not only to govern, but to lead South Africa into a new chapter.
“I accept this responsibility with humility, with gratitude, and with a deep sense of duty,” he said. “I will be dedicated to the mission of building a stronger South Africa for everyone.”
Hill-Lewis emphasised his belief in the country’s potential, rejecting narratives of decline.
“South Africa is worth it. We have a great country. And we are a great people,” he told delegates. “We all love this country too much to see it fail.”
He outlined a clear vision for the DA’s future — one focused on governance, trust-building, coalition leadership, and restoring national confidence.
“We are not a party of talk. We are a party that gets things done,” he said, highlighting the DA’s track record in government.
A central theme of his speech was the need to restore law and order, which he described as the country’s most urgent priority.
“Bringing law and order to South Africa must be our top priority… We must take back our streets and restore faith in our criminal justice system,” he said.
Hill-Lewis linked crime and economic stagnation, arguing that improving safety is key to unlocking growth and job creation.
With local government elections approaching in the coming months, Hill-Lewis made it clear that the DA is aiming to expand its footprint across major metros, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay and Durban.
“If we work hard, we can win more towns and cities than ever before,” he said, describing the elections as “the first steps on a longer journey” toward national leadership ambitions.
Looking further ahead, he set his sights on the 2029 national elections, stating that the DA’s goal is to become the leading party in government.
“I am not satisfied with being a junior partner… our ambition must be to lead the national government,” he said.
Hill-Lewis paid tribute to former DA leaders, including Tony Leon, Helen Zille, Mmusi Maimane and John Steenhuisen, acknowledging their roles in building the party into a national force.
He credited Steenhuisen in particular for leading the DA into the Government of National Unity following the 2024 elections.
Alongside Hill-Lewis, the DA announced its newly elected leadership structure:
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Federal Chairperson: Solly Msimanga
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Deputy Federal Chairpersons: Siviwe Gwarube, Cilliers Brink, Solly Malatsi
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Chairperson of the Federal Council: Ashor Sarupen
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Deputy Federal Council Chairpersons: JP Smith, Thomas Walters, Carl Pophaim
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Chairperson of Federal Finance: Mark Burke
The party described the newly elected team as a reflection of its growth and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Closing his address, Hill-Lewis called on party members and supporters to rally behind a shared vision for the country.
“We will get up earlier, walk further, work harder… because we know deeply that only our ideas and our values can make our country work for everyone.”
“And together let us build a country that works.”
