Cape Town Mayor to Run for Leader of South Africa's Second-Biggest Party

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced he will run for leader of the Democratic Alliance after John Steenhuisen said he would not seek a third term. Hill-Lewis pledged to expand the party’s appeal and replicate Cape Town’s governance model nationally, as the DA seeks to strengthen its position within South Africa’s coalition government and attract voters disillusioned with the ANC.

The mayor of Cape Town on Friday formally declared his intention to contest for the leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in South Africa’s governing coalition.
Geordin Hill-Lewis made the announcement at a rally in Cape Town, where he was met with loud cheers from hundreds of supporters. “I today announce that I am standing to be the next leader of the Democratic Alliance,” he told the crowd, positioning himself as a candidate focused on expanding the party’s national appeal ahead of upcoming local elections later this year.
His declaration follows an earlier announcement by current DA leader John Steenhuisen, who confirmed that he would not seek a third term at the party’s elective conference scheduled for April. Steenhuisen’s decision marks a significant turning point for the party as it prepares for municipal polls and attempts to consolidate its role within the national coalition government formed after the 2024 general elections.
Hill-Lewis, 39, has served as mayor of Cape Town since 2021. The coastal city, a major tourist destination, is frequently regarded as one of the better-administered municipalities in the country. Citing his record in office, Hill-Lewis told supporters that his leadership of the DA would reflect the governance model implemented in Cape Town. “Under my leadership, we will show, as we have shown here in Cape Town, that the DA governs well and governs for everyone,” he said.
The DA joined a 10-party coalition government following the 2024 national elections, a development widely viewed as boosting investor and public confidence during a period of political uncertainty. The coalition was formed after the long-dominant African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, forcing it into what analysts have described as an uneasy governing arrangement with former opposition parties.
The ANC’s loss of its majority was largely attributed to voter dissatisfaction over persistent allegations of corruption, poor service delivery, and economic challenges. In response, the DA has sought to position itself as a credible governing alternative capable of addressing governance failures and attracting disillusioned voters.
Despite its growing influence, the DA has historically struggled to shed perceptions that it primarily represents the country’s white minority. Addressing this concern directly, Hill-Lewis acknowledged the party’s image challenges. “Too often, people see us as distant,” he said. “They feel that we speak at them, not with them. If we are going to grow, we must change that.”
His leadership bid sets the stage for a closely watched contest within the DA as the party seeks to redefine its identity and strengthen its position in South Africa’s evolving political landscape.