All Set For DA Federal Congress As Leadership Races Take Centre Stage

All is set for the Democratic Alliance’s much-anticipated Federal Congress, with the party preparing to elect its new leadership this weekend.

The elective gathering, scheduled for 11 and 12 April, will see delegates convene to choose leaders who will guide the party into its next phase, following a nomination and vetting process that was concluded late last month.

As previously confirmed on 24 March, nominations for key positions officially closed on 23 March after opening on 27 February, with all submitted candidates undergoing a compliance process in line with the party’s Federal Constitution.

In terms of the constitution, the Federal Congress is tasked with electing the Federal Leader, the Federal Chairperson, and three Deputy Federal Chairpersons – positions that are expected to shape the direction of the party in the coming years.

The race for Federal Leader will be contested by Sibusiso Dyonase and Geordin Hill-Lewis, while the contest for Federal Chairperson features Ivan Meyer and Solly Msimanga.

A competitive field has also been confirmed for the three Deputy Federal Chairperson positions, with Cilliers Brink, Belinda Echeozonjoku, Siviwe Gwarube, Solly Malatsi, Anroux Marais, Nomafrench Mbombo and Nicholas Nyati all in the running.

With campaigning having taken place over the past two weeks, candidates have been engaging delegates across party structures in a bid to secure support ahead of the vote. The party has maintained that all campaigns have been conducted under strict internal guidelines, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the process.

Now, with all logistical and organisational preparations understood to be in place, attention turns to the weekend’s proceedings, where the outcomes of the internal elections are expected to define the DA’s leadership and strategic direction going forward.

The congress is anticipated to be a significant moment for the party, as it seeks to consolidate its position and chart a clear path ahead in South Africa’s evolving political landscape.