JOHANNESBURG - ‘I have trained myself for this moment.’
These were the words of DA's Sedibeng Caucus leader, Sibusiso Dyonase, as he rolled up his sleeves and prepared to contest for the position of federal leader.
He will stand off against Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The party is set to hold its 2026 federal congress in Midrand this weekend.
Speaking ahead of the federal congress, Dyonase said the party’s internal process allows for open and fair competition, and for him, this is a chance to take up the challenge.
He said he believes his time in the party has prepared him for this role.
“Leadership must raise its hands to actually contest. It's a freedom, fairness, open opportunity for all in the Democratic Alliance," Dyonase said.
Acknowledging that the contest will not be easy, Dyonase stressed the importance of unity within the party.
“We are going to have to work together with the elected leaders that are going to be elected on that day to actually move the Democratic Alliance forward into bringing the good service delivery that the South Africans really do need right now," he said.
When questioned about the party’s current direction, more especially with its leaders, Dyonase was short of giving criticism.
Instead, he said the political landscape is changing, and as such, the party should be looking at ways of attracting young people, and visiting underserved communities.