DA elective congress: Dyonase believes he has what it takes to stand against Hill-Lewis

Despite Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis being tipped as a frontrunner to lead the Democratic Alliance (DA), his challenger Sibusiso Dyonase believes he also stands a strong chance.

Dyonase is the DA's caucus leader in the Sedibeng local municipality, who is contesting Hill-Lewis for the party’s federal leader position.

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

He said that while Hill-Lewis is widely tipped to succeed John Steenhuisen, he also has his own base of support within the party.

The DA is expected to hold its 2026 elective federal congress in Midrand this coming weekend.

Hill-Lewis has been interested in the DA federal leader position for years but had previously vowed never to contest Steenhuisen for that role.

After Steenhuisen announced that he would not seek re-election, Hill-Lewis expressed his desire to succeed him.

While many expected Hill-Lewis to be elected unopposed, Dyonase also declared his candidacy for the position.

Dyonase said nothing stops him from running and is confident that he has what it takes to succeed, Steenhuisen.

"I do believe that right now is the great time for me to contest leadership and be in the centre of the democratic alliance. Yes, I do understand that it’s not going to be easy, but I do have the energy and the time to become a leader of the democratic alliance."

He said his experience in other leadership roles makes him ready and fit enough to lead the party to the upcoming local government elections.