Cape Town – Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has not yet confirmed whether he will run for DA Federal Leader but says he intends to seek a second term as mayor in the upcoming local elections.
He will announce his intentions once the party’s nomination period opens later this month.
“After John Steenhuisen’s announcement yesterday, I have been approached by many party members to stand for the position of Federal Leader. The DA’s internal campaign rules stipulate that public campaigning may only begin when the nomination period opens.
“That will happen later this month, which is when I will announce my intentions. Whatever is decided, I will remain committed to stand for a second term as the Mayor of Cape Town. It is the DA’s biggest government and our strongest platform as we head into the local elections,” Hill-Lewis said.
After John Steenhuisen’s announcement yesterday, I have been approached by many party members to stand for the position of Federal Leader.
The DA’s internal campaign rules stipulate that public campaigning may only begin when the nomination period opens. That will happen later…
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) February 5, 2026
He added: “If I do stand for election as DA Leader, I would welcome a robust and principled process focused on competing ideas for the future of our party and our country. We have many excellent leaders, and an open exchange of ideas can only strengthen us.”
Political analysts note that holding both roles is possible, citing Helen Zille’s example, but caution it would require strong support and could be challenging.
Hill-Lewis described being considered for party leader as an honor and emphasised that the DA’s focus should remain on serving South Africans and building hope.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
