The second-biggest political party in South Africa\u2019s ruling coalition, the DA, appointed a new leader as it gears up to contest municipal elections that look set to reshape the country\u2019s political landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Geordin Hill-Lewis, the 39-year-old mayor of Cape Town, will take over the helm of the Democratic Alliance from John Steenhuisen, who stepped down after almost seven years in office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hill-Lewis easily saw off a challenge from Sibusiso Dyonase, a little-known municipal councillor, at a party congress in Johannesburg on Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his acceptance speech, Hill-Lewis vowed to use the upcoming local ballot as a stepping stone to building the DA into the largest party in South Africa ahead of national elections in 2029.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur ambition must be to lead the national government,\u201d he told the cheering audience. \u201cThat is the next chapter in our party\u2019s proud history.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DA won 22% of the vote in general elections in 2024, while the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid ended three decades earlier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two rivals then agreed with eight smaller parties to form a so-called government of national unity, with the DA allocated six posts in President Cyril Ramaphosa\u2019s cabinet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The coalition\u2019s commitment to prioritise growing the economy and safeguarding the constitution cheered investors and spurred a rally in the nation\u2019s assets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But internal relations have been rocky, with the two main parties sparring over a series of contentious laws, taxes and appointments. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hill-Lewis has signalled his support for the DA\u2019s continued participation in the government, but wants his party to have greater sway over policy and decision-making. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He intends to seek another term as mayor of Cape Town rather than take up a cabinet post \u2014 a decision he says will enable him to better differentiate the DA from the ANC because he won\u2019t be answerable to Ramaphosa on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnder my leadership, the DA will fight every day to shape the direction of government so that it reflects our values. And that is why we must continue to oppose policies in the GNU that block our country\u2019s progress,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the president has the prerogative to appoint his executive, the DA leader makes recommendations on its deployees, and Hill-Lewis\u2019s election may portend a shakeup in the allocation of posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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