Cape Town – Solly Msimanga, the Gauteng leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has formally announced that he will vie for a national leadership position within his party.
The move comes as nominations opened ahead of the party’s federal congress scheduled for April.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Msimanga confirmed that he will contest the position of federal chairperson, a key role in the DA’s national leadership structure.
“I am humbled by the trust that you are bestowing on me and humbled by the nomination,” Msimanga said. “I am deeply aware of the responsibility that comes when accepting this nomination. I accept nomination as the candidate for the federal chairperson of the Democratic Alliance not for the title, not for prestige but for purpose.”
Msimanga’s bid reflects renewed energy in the party’s leadership contest following a period of transition. The DA’s current federal chairperson, Ivan Meyer, held the position uncontested at the last congress in 2022, while Msimanga remained focused on his role as provincial leader.
[BREAKING NEWS] Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis raise their hands for two senior party leadership positions. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/DJpAijZDK9
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 27, 2026
At the DA’s 2018 federal congress, Msimanga also ran for the federal chairpersonship but was defeated by Athol Trollip, who has since left the party and joined ActionSA as a member of Parliament.
Msimanga’s announcement comes as the DA opens nominations for national leadership posts, including federal leader, federal chairperson, and deputy positions. The party’s internal election process will formally close on 23 March, ahead of the April gathering.
Msimanga, who previously served as mayor of Tshwane from 2016 to 2019 and has led the DA in Gauteng since 2020, said he believes his experience positions him to contribute to the party’s national mission.
“This time we will do it,” he said, referring to the opportunity for the DA to advance its goals across South Africa.
His campaign is set against the backdrop of broader efforts by the DA to strengthen its national standing and prepare for elections following the announcement by federal leader John Steenhuisen that he will not seek re-election.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@jsteenhuisen
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
