The mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, declared on Friday that he will run for leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest political party, following the announcement that current leader John Steenhuisen will not seek a third term.
Speaking to a rally in Cape Town, Hill-Lewis, 39, who has served as mayor since 2021, said, “Under my leadership, we will show, as we have shown here in Cape Town, that the DA governs well and governs for everyone.” The city, known for its strong tourism sector, is considered one of the better-managed municipalities in the country, a record Hill-Lewis hopes to leverage in his campaign.
Steenhuisen’s decision not to run marks a significant shake-up within the party, ahead of local elections later this year. The DA, credited with improving investor confidence after joining the 10-party coalition following the 2024 national elections, has faced internal controversies over Steenhuisen’s leadership.
Hill-Lewis emphasized the need for the DA to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base. “Too often, people see us as distant. They feel that we speak at them, not with them. If we are going to grow, we must change that,” he said.
The party seeks to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the African National Congress (ANC), which lost its 30-year majority in 2024 amid accusations of corruption and mismanagement. Despite polling at historically high levels, the DA continues to confront challenges in shaking off its image as a party primarily representing South Africa’s white minority.
Hill-Lewis’s candidacy signals a pivotal moment for the DA as it prepares for both internal leadership elections and the broader battle for local governance credibility across the country.
