Geordin Hill-Lewis frontrunner for DA leadership ahead of April federal congress

Widespread speculations suggest that Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the party’s Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, are expected to make announcements on Friday.

Reports suggest that Hill-Lewis, who called for a media briefing on Friday, may be tipped to succeed DA federal leader John Steenhuisen.

Early this month, Steenhuisen officially pulled out of the race to lead the party for a third term.

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Political analyst Professor Kedibone Phago noted that Hill-Lewis has a significant advantage due to his high profile within the party.

It will, however, be a tight window for him to secure key endorsements as the DA Federal Congress takes place in Johannesburg in April.

No other candidates have announced their intent to run for federal leadership yet.

“You can say that it is a foregone conclusion that Geordin will be the DA’s leader come April.”

Phago explained that, as with Helen Zille, it would not be unlikely for the DA federal leader to be outside Parliament.

But the wide and ever-changing political landscape may prove challenging as the DA prepares for the 2029 elections.

“[Hill-Lewis] said he would be comfortable taking up the leadership role of the DA, but remain the City of Cape Town Mayor… [But] it is going to be a lot of work for the DA to really position Geordin as presidential to some degree,” he said.

To listen to Phago in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, use the audio player below: