Sedibeng caucus leader Sibusiso Dyonase and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis are set to face off for the position of DA federal leader at the party’s Federal Congress on April 11 and 12.
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With the DA’s elective conference days away, John Steenhuisen’s departure has triggered a heated contest for control, exposing factional tensions and setting the stage for a defining leadership showdown that could reshape the party’s future.
Sedibeng caucus leader Sibusiso Dyonase and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis are set to face off for the position of federal leader at the party’s Federal Congress on April 11 and 12.
The contest follows the unexpected announcement by current leader Steenhuisen that he will not seek a third term, opening the door to a new generation of leadership.
Nominations for the top positions closed this week, confirming a competitive field across multiple roles, including federal chairperson and deputy federal chairpersons.
Delegates at the conference will elect a federal leader, a federal chairperson and three deputy positions central to the party’s strategic direction.
For the federal chairperson, Ivan Meyer and Solly Msimanga will contest the role.
Meanwhile, a wide pool of candidates including Cilliers Brink, Siviwe Gwarube and Solly Malatsi are vying for deputy positions.
The leadership race, however, is drawing the most attention not only for who is running, but for what it reveals about internal dynamics within the DA.
Party insiders describe growing tensions between two broad factions: one aligned with the party’s current leadership and governance track record, and another pushing for renewal and broader internal representation.
These divisions have quietly shaped campaigning ahead of the conference.
Hill-Lewis is widely viewed as having strong support within the party’s established leadership structures.
Federal chairperson Helen Zille is understood to favour his candidacy, fuelling perceptions that the race reflected a continuity bloc seeking to maintain the party’s current trajectory.
Dyonase candidacy, meanwhile, introduces a contrasting voice, with supporters framing him as a challenger representing a different internal constituency and calling for change in tone and approach.
Despite the underlying tensions, the DA has emphasised that the leadership contest will be governed by strict internal rules.
In a statement, the party said all candidates are required to comply with campaign regulations applied “without fear or favour.”
Beyond the top leadership race, the party has also confirmed candidates for positions within its Federal Council, including chairperson and deputy roles, underscoring the scale of leadership renewal underway.
Steenhuisen, who announced his decision to step aside in February, said his focus will shift to his role in government.
As Agriculture Minister, he has pointed to the urgency of tackling the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting livestock across parts of the country.
He is expected to remain in cabinet, even as the DA transitions to new leadership.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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