Solly Msimanga sets sights on DA federal chairperson position, aims to oust ANC in 2029

Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Leader Solly Msimanga says the party requires new national leadership capable of unseating the African National Congress (ANC) as the largest political organisation in the 2029 elections.

Msimanga announced at a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday that he has accepted a nomination to become the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) next National Federal Chairperson.

The party is scheduled to elect its new leadership at its National Congress in April.

Msimanga stated that he believes the time is right for him to transition from provincial leadership to the DA’s national office.

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This announcement follows a shift in the party’s top tier. When outgoing DA leader John Steenhuisen announced he would not be running to retain his position, he highlighted that his leadership team successfully guided the party from the opposition benches into the executive.

However, Steenhuisen also noted that the incoming leaders would face a more rigorous challenge of unseating the ANC as the largest party within the national coalition.

Msimanga, vying for the Federal Chairperson seat, maintains that he is ready for that challenge.

Regarding his vision for the party's future, Msimanga said:"We must grow beyond our traditional core while we also protect it. To become the majority party, we must win the majority of voters. That means we have to align our resources to empower our ground structures. We also need to make sure that we reach each and every community."

The race for the party's future direction is widening.

Meanwhile, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has also announced that he has accepted a nomination to become the party’s next federal leader.