Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis Runs for DA National Leader

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis stepped into a cheering crowd of 200 supporters Friday to announce he's running to lead South Africa's Democratic Alliance, the country's second-largest political party.

The 39-year-old mayor chose Elsies River, a working-class Cape Town neighborhood, to launch his campaign with a message of renewal and hope. Supporters chanted "GHL" as he entered the civic center, joined by several national cabinet ministers who came to show their backing.

"I know, we know, South Africa can work, and I want to help make it work," Hill-Lewis told the energized crowd. He called the upcoming leadership election an opportunity for the party to renew itself and chart a path toward national prosperity.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube formally nominated Hill-Lewis, saying she did so "with conviction" because she believes in a new generation of leaders. Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber also attended to show support.

Hill-Lewis plans to keep his Cape Town mayor position while leading the party, following the example of former leader Helen Zille who successfully held both roles for two years. Cape Town has become the DA's flagship municipality, known for effective service delivery and governance.

The leadership race opened after longtime leader John Steenhuisen announced he wouldn't seek reelection. Hill-Lewis praised his friend's service, saying the party is much stronger because of Steenhuisen's leadership and his decision to join South Africa's Government of National Unity.

The Ripple Effect

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for South African politics. The DA plays a crucial role in the national unity government, and Hill-Lewis brings proven success in local governance to national conversations about making government work for citizens.

His track record in Cape Town demonstrates that effective, responsive leadership can deliver real results for communities. Now he's asking his party to trust him to scale that model nationally.

Nominations close March 23, giving candidates three weeks to secure branch endorsements before the April congress. The energy in Elsies River suggests Hill-Lewis enters the race as the clear frontrunner, backed by party donors and senior leadership.

South Africa's political future just got a boost of youthful optimism.