Geordin Hill-Lewis Elected DA Federal Leader

Geordin HillLewis, the mayor of Cape Town, was elected federal leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance on Sunday at the party's federal congress in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. The vote, held at the Gallagher Estate convention center before more than 2,000 delegates, saw HillLewis defeat challenger Sibusiso Dyanase, the DA caucus leader in Sedibeng. Party officials declared the process free and fair, marking a smooth transition from outgoing leader John Steenhuisen.

The congress, the largest in the DA's history, concluded a weekend of speeches, policy discussions, and leadership elections. HillLewis, who has served as Cape Town's mayor since 2021, steps into the role as the party seeks to expand its influence amid its participation in the Government of National Unity formed after recent elections. In his acceptance speech, HillLewis paid tribute to predecessors including Tony Leon, Helen Zille, Mmusi Maimane, and Steenhuisen. "I accept this responsibility with humility, with gratitude and with a deep sense of duty," he said. "I stand before you as your newly elected leader with one promise: However long I have the privilege of serving in this job, I will be dedicated to...