Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has been elected as the new leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the party’s Federal Congress held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Sunday. Hill-Lewis, who is known for his tenure as the mayor of Cape Town, has outlined an ambitious plan to transform the party into South Africa’s largest political force, with the ultimate goal of leading the national government.
Expanding the DA’s Electoral Base
Hill-Lewis’ leadership will be defined by a singular mission: expanding the DA’s electoral base and positioning it to take control of national government in the coming years. He emphasized the need for the party to continue demonstrating governance capacity where it is already in power, citing the party’s track record in municipalities as evidence that “the basics work” under DA leadership.
According to Hill-Lewis, the party’s track record in municipalities, including his tenure as Cape Town mayor, shows that functioning institutions, responsible budgeting, and service delivery are all achievable under DA leadership. He also highlighted the importance of broadening the party’s support base by connecting with voters who have not previously backed the DA, which would require a more grounded and community-driven approach. As he noted, “we must earn trust the old-fashioned way, community by community, street by street, conversation by conversation”.
Four-Part Strategy
Hill-Lewis outlined a four-part strategy aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects. Firstly, he emphasized the need for the DA to continue demonstrating governance capacity where it is already in power. Secondly, he acknowledged the need to broaden the party’s support base by connecting with voters who have not previously backed the DA. Thirdly, Hill-Lewis addressed the DA’s role within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), describing it as a “complex and fraught” arrangement, but one that reflects voters’ rejection of instability. Finally, he stressed the importance of political messaging rooted in optimism and belief in the country’s future.
The South African Government has been facing numerous challenges, including high levels of crime and unemployment. Hill-Lewis identified crime as the country’s most urgent crisis, placing law and order at the centre of his policy agenda. He described widespread fear among ordinary South Africans, saying that restoring safety and rebuilding the criminal justice system would be his top priority.
- Restoring safety and rebuilding the criminal justice system
- Expanding the DA’s electoral base and positioning it to take control of national government
- Broadening the party’s support base by connecting with voters who have not previously backed the DA
- Strengthening the party’s role within South Africa’s Government of National Unity
As the new leader of the DA, Hill-Lewis will face numerous challenges in his bid to lead the party to national power. However, with his ambitious plan and four-part strategy, he is confident that the DA can become the largest party in national government. As he noted, “the question is whether the DA can lead the country… whether we can become the largest party in national government. My answer is a resounding yes”.
