LIVE BLOG | Geordin Hill-Lewis sets ambitious target of leading national government by 2029

12 April 2026, 16:38

Geordin Hill-Lewis sets ambitious target of leading national government by 2029

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the leader of the DA, replacing minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen, vowing to make the party the largest party in South Africa in the 2029 general elections.

[ WATCH | Geordin Hill-Lewis sets ambitious target of leading national government by 2029Opens in new window ]

12 April 2026, 16:21

WATCH | Geordin Hill-Lewis was announced as the new party leader on day 2 of the DA Federal Congress, while Solly Msimanga stepped into the federal chairperson position. This alongside other positions that were announced.

12 April 2026, 13:59

Newly elected DA federal chair Solly Msimanga and DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis share moment of victory at the party’s federal congress in Midrand.

12 April 2026, 13:44

Geordin Hill-Lewis elected new leader of the DA

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the leader of the DA, replacing minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen.

The vote, concluded at the DA’s federal congress on Sunday, hands Hill-Lewis the reins of the second-largest party in South Africa’s government of national unity (GNU).

[ Geordin Hill-Lewis elected new leader of the DAOpens in new window ]

12 April 2026, 13:29

BREAKING | Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the DA’s new leader.

12 April 2026, 13:11

BREAKING | Solly Msimanga has just been announced as the DA’s newly elected federal chairperson. He walks up on stage, receiving resounding support from delegates.

12 April 2026, 12:18

DA’s Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, addressed party supporters on Day 2 of federal congress, pledging to make smartphones more affordable and ensure unused data doesn’t go to waste.

12 April 2026, 11:54

DA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, outlined her plans for the municipality, saying the ANC turned Ekurhuleni from the country’s industrial engine into a failed entity. She claims Madlanga commission findings reflect the daily struggles faced by Ekurhuleni residents.

12 April 2026, 11:31

Ahead of the DA results’ announcement on day 2 of the party’s federal congress, Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink emphasizes that a strong DA is crucial for change, alongside a weakened ANC.

12 April 2026, 11:24

DA Head of Policy, Mat Cuthbert, talks about which policies the DA is seeking to push in the GNU after the new party leadership takes over. 

12 April 2026, 10:58

Business Day’s Thando Maeko asked DA deputy chairperson candidate Siviwe Gwarube what the GNU will look like after the party elects its new leadership.

12 April 2026, 9:10

From congress to caucus: DA’s next leadership battle takes shape

With its leadership question settled, the DA is wasting no time pivoting to its next internal showdown — a high-stakes race for parliamentary leader that could redefine the party’s centre of power.

Insiders say the contest is tightening around three senior figures: chief whip George Michalakis, Eastern Cape leader Andrew Whitfield and federal legal commission head Glynnis Breytenbach.

Policy chief Mathew Cuthbert, who had been approached, has opted out — throwing his weight behind Whitfield instead.

[ From congress to caucus: DA’s next leadership battle takes shapeOpens in new window ]

12 April 2026, 9:00

The DA Federal Congress resumes at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Sunday morning.

Catch up on day one:

[ Power shake-up on the cards as DA holds day 1 of elective conferenceOpens in new window ]

The DA Federal Congress Day 1 came with emotional speeches and debates shaping the party’s future ahead of upcoming elections. Here’s everything you need to know.

Some moments from day 1 captured by Arena photographers: