Geordin Hill-Lewis outlines service delivery focus if he becomes DA leader

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has confirmed he is running for the leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA) ahead of the party’s national congress in April.

Hill-Lewis said his leadership would focus on strengthening the DA so it can strengthen South Africa.

“My leadership will be about strengthening our party so that we can strengthen South Africa,” he said in an interview on 947.

The mayor said the decision followed DA leader John Steenhuisen’s announcement that he would not seek another term.

“He announced that he’s decided not to stand again at our congress coming up in April… so it’s now open season,” Hill-Lewis said.

Hill-Lewis wants to remain Cape Town's mayor

Hill-Lewis said he hopes to remain mayor of Cape Town even if he becomes leader of the DA.

He described the role as one of the most impactful jobs in South African politics.

“I really would like to [stay mayor] because I really think it’s the coolest job in South African politics,” he said.

Hill-Lewis said leading a city allows politicians to deliver practical improvements that residents can see.

“It’s about those practical things that make your town or your city work or not.”

Service delivery is at the centre of his message

The Cape Town mayor repeatedly emphasised service delivery and infrastructure as the key focus of effective governance.

He said fixing basic services should be the priority for any city administration.

“If we are underinvesting in basic services, we are choosing long-term failure,” Hill-Lewis said.

He outlined service delivery benchmarks used in Cape Town, saying faults like traffic lights and water leaks should typically be fixed within hours or days.

“Traffic lights should be the same day or the next day… potholes on a main road should be fixed within 48 hours.”

He said the city aims to deliver the same level of service to all residents.

“We absolutely expect the same level of service delivery to every resident, no matter where you live.”

Hill-Lewis calls for greater youth participation in politics

Hill-Lewis also stressed the need to encourage young people to vote and participate in politics.

He said many young South Africans care about the country’s future but feel disillusioned by broken promises.

“If young people are genuinely concerned about the future of our country… they have to be a part of making that happen,” he said.

“They can’t just hope that it’s going to happen without their involvement.”

Hill-Lewis currently uncontested

At present, Hill-Lewis said he is not facing any challengers in the race for DA leader.

However, nominations have not yet closed, and he said competition would be healthy for the party.

“At the moment as we sit here, I’m uncontested,” he said.

“But there are lots of people worthy to contest… and I wouldn’t mind if there’s a contest. That’s healthy.”

Listen to the interview using the audio player below: