JOHANNESBURG - Democratic Alliance leader in the Gauteng Legislature Solly Msimanga and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis have thrown their names in the hat for the party’s leadership race.
Msimanga is vying for the Federal Chairperson position, while Hill-Lewis has accepted nomination for the party’s Federal Leader.
Nominations for the party’s top positions officially opened on Friday.
In Cape Town, Hill-Lewis said after careful consideration, he had also accepted the nomination for DA leader.
“It’s a decision that I’ve considered carefully. I am under no illusions about the road ahead should I be elected but with deep love for our country I will work arm in arm with each of you to lead our country into prosperity,” Hill-Lewis said to loud cheer and applause.
Under his leadership, Hill-Lewis vowed the DA will show it governs well and for everyone.
“I will make sure that under my leadership; the DA works everyday to shape the direction of government. We must see our values reflected in the work of government. It is only our values that can fix government.”
If elected as leader, Hill-Lewis said he will make it his mission to restore hope in the country.
“The hope that comes when we genuinely approach a can-do mindset. The hope that comes from rolling up our sleeves and fix what is broken.”
Making his announcement in Pretoria, Msimanga, who has been leading the party in Gauteng since 2023, said he was humbled by the trust after accepting the nomination.
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“I accept this nomination as the candidate for Federal Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance, not for the title, not for prestige, but for purpose,” Msimanga said.
Outlining his plans for the party, Msimanga promised that under his leadership, the party would increase the number of mayors outside of the Western Cape.
“We must grow beyond our traditional core. To become the majority party, we must win the majority of voters. That means we must align our resources to empower our ground structures,” Msimanga said.