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New DA leader faces historic challenge
Geordin Hill-Lewis has taken over South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) with a mission his predecessors failed to achieve: expanding the party's appeal beyond its traditional base of white and minority voters.
Stagnant support despite political shifts
Since 2014, the DA's share of the national vote has hovered around 20%. The 2024 election saw the ruling African National Congress (ANC) lose its majority for the first time, forcing a coalition government that included the DA. Yet the party's vote share barely budged, reaching just under 22%.
Bridging the trust gap
Hill-Lewis, 39, acknowledged the party's struggle to connect with Black South Africans, who make up 80% of the population. Speaking to the national broadcaster SABC on Monday, he called closing the "trust deficit" a top priority.
"For a long time, the racial silos in South Africa have been firm and concrete, but they are breaking and cracking, and that's encouraging."
Geordin Hill-Lewis, DA leader
A more diverse leadership
Hill-Lewis's election coincides with the rise of Black politicians like Solly Msimanga, Siviwe Gwarube, and Solly Malatsi to senior DA roles. He described the new leadership as the "most diverse and young" in the party's history. However, gender representation remains uneven, with only one woman in a top position.
The previous attempt to broaden the DA's appeal under its first Black leader, Mmusi Maimane, ended in failure when he resigned in 2019, criticizing the party as ill-suited to unite South Africa.
Strategy and skepticism
Hill-Lewis has not yet unveiled new policies to attract Black voters but emphasized competence in governance and tackling crime as key issues. He also reiterated the DA's opposition to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), the ANC's policy aimed at redressing racial imbalances in business.
"We have to make it clear to Black South Africans that we are genuinely invested in their advancement, but we do not support the current system of BEE."
Geordin Hill-Lewis
Political analyst Dr. Levy Ndou called the leadership shift a "new era" for the DA, noting the party now "resembles a multiracial organization." However, skepticism remains about whether the DA can shed its image as a party for minorities.
Balancing governance and opposition
Unlike his predecessor, John Steenhuisen-a cabinet minister-Hill-Lewis will remain as Cape Town's mayor while leading the DA. This dual role puts him in a delicate position: managing the party's coalition with the ANC at the national level while preparing to challenge the ruling party in upcoming local elections.
The DA has been a vocal critic of the ANC on economic and foreign policy, and the coalition has faced tensions. Hill-Lewis confirmed he will review the performance of DA ministers in the government, warning that "no one is entitled to any office."
A political career built in the DA
Hill-Lewis, who joined the DA at 18, rose quickly through its ranks. At 24, he became South Africa's youngest member of parliament. A decade later, he became Cape Town's youngest mayor. Political analyst Sandile Swana described him as a leader "groomed in the DA."
