MIDRAND – The Democratic Alliance’s federal congress got underway this morning (11 April) at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, with more than 2 000 delegates gathering for what the party describes as the largest congress in its history.
The two-day gathering, which takes place every three years, is a “reflection” of the party’s growth and its “institutional maturity”, according to Werner Horn, house chairperson in the National Assembly and presiding officer of the congress.
Delegates from across all provinces will participate in proceedings that will shape the party’s future direction, deliberating on key organisational and policy matters, including constitutional amendments, policy resolutions, and leadership reports.
The highlight of tomorrow’s proceedings will be the election of a new federal leader, after current leader John Steenhuisen announced earlier that he would not make himself available for re-election.
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sibusiso Dyonase, caucus leader in Sedibeng, will contest the position. Die Papier previously reported that Hill-Lewis is considered by far the favourite.
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Delegates will also vote for a new federal chairperson and three federal deputy chairpersons. Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for agriculture, economic development and tourism, and Solly Msimanga, DA leader in Gauteng, are competing for the federal chairpersonship, which Meyer currently holds. There are mixed feelings about who is likely to win this race.
Seven members are competing for three federal deputy chairperson positions. Among the candidates, Solly Malatsi, minister of communication and technology, and Siviwe Gwarube, minister of basic education, already serve in cabinet.
There is strong representation from the north with candidates such as Cilliers Brink, Tshwane mayoral candidate, and Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA caucus leader in Johannesburg, but Nomafrench Mbombo and Anroux Marais from the Western Cape are also candidates to watch.
The DA will also announce tomorrow the new chairperson and three deputy chairpersons of the federal council, as well as the federal financial chairperson, for which voting has already taken place.
Horn, Neo Mokoena and Ashor Surapen, deputy minister of finance, competed for the federal council chairpersonship, which Helen Zille currently holds.
Mark Burke (MP), Erik Marais (MP) and Fanyana Nkosi, councillor in Ekurhuleni, were in the race for the financial chairperson role, which Dr Dion George held before he resigned from the DA in January.
Three deputy chairpersons of the federal council will also be announced. The following people were in the race: Deonay Balie, chairperson of the Namakwaland constituency; Sibusiso Dyonase, Sedibeng caucus leader; Innocent Mabaso, training chairperson in the North Gauteng structures; Ricardo Mackenzie, MEC for cultural affairs and sport in the Western Cape; Nomafrench Mbombo, former MEC for health in the Western Cape; Carl Pophaim, mayoral committee member for human settlements in the City of Cape Town; Sello Seitlholo, deputy minister of water and sanitation; JP Smith, mayoral committee member for community safety in the City of Cape Town; John Makoela; Lungile Phenyane; and Segope Gabriel Sathekge.
Two of the current deputy chairpersons, Thomas Walters, member of the provincial legislature in the Western Cape, and Dr Annelie Lotriet, deputy speaker in the National Assembly, are also among the candidates.
The party confirmed that all preparations are complete and all systems are in place to ensure a seamless and credible congress. The candidate process was conducted in line with the DA’s democratic and transparent internal systems, with presiding officers overseeing proceedings to safeguard integrity.
Sources: Die Papier; DA official website
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