DA Holds Largest-Ever Federal Congress as Hill-Lewis Re-elected Leader Ahead of 2026

**TL;DR:** The Democratic Alliance concluded its largest-ever Federal Congress, re-electing Geordin Hill-Lewis as Federal Leader and installing a new deputy leadership team headed by Siviwe Gwarube.

Context:

The Democratic Alliance is South Africa's largest opposition party. The party held its 2026 Federal Congress this week, marking a pivotal moment in its organizational calendar as it positions itself for the next electoral cycle. The congress brought together delegates from across the country to elect the party's federal leadership structure.

Key Facts:

The 2026 Federal Congress drew the highest delegate turnout in the DA's history, with over 2,000 representatives attending. The record attendance signals continued growth and institutional maturity for the party as it prepares for 2026.

Delegates re-elected Geordin Hill-Lewis as Federal Leader, maintaining continuity at the top of the party's hierarchy. The leadership elections also produced a new deputy lineup: Siviwe Gwarube was elected 1st Deputy Federal Chairperson, Cilliers Brink as 2nd Deputy, and Solly Malatsi as 3rd Deputy.

Solly Msimanga was elected Federal Chairperson. Ashor Sarupen became Chairperson of the Federal Council, with JP Smith, Thomas Walters, and Carl Pophaim serving as deputy council chairpersons. Dr Mark Burke was elected Chairperson of Federal Finance.

What It Means:

The record congress size suggests the DA is expanding its grassroots footprint ahead of 2026. The re-election of Hill-Lewis provides stability, while the new deputy team—particularly Gwarube in the first deputy role—signals a focus on younger leadership. The party now enters the 2026 cycle with a clear structure and demonstrated internal democracy. Watch for how this leadership team shapes the DA's policy platform and electoral strategy in the coming months.