By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

The Democratic Alliance (DA) are getting ready to gear up for their 2026 Federal Congress this weekend and held a press briefing today in order to give insight on what some of the key discussions will entail. 

As the federal congress draws near, party delegates will aim to speak about new policy proposals, amendments in the constitution as well as a series of internal reforms which help guide the DA’s next steps forward.

 “We will have quite a robust engagement…ensuring that the values that we subscribe to are reaffirmed” said congress spokesperson Luyolo Mphithi when addressing that several resolutions have been tabled as the main focus is centered on governance reforms and service delivery. 

He noted that these resolutions are aimed at improving lives and having a more stable government for South Africans. Another factor to consider about the upcoming federal conference is that the party will elect a new federal leader on Sunday and will be expected to set the tone on crucial issues regarding the party’s stance on the Government of National Unity (GNU).

 Mphithi reserved comment upon speculation on who is expected to be the new leader and that certain decisions will depend on the vision of the new leader. Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille is also expected to make an address to the delegates before the party will vote on new council members as the results will be announced on Sunday.

 Many may also speculate that Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will be expected to take over the leadership after the federal congress this weekend as she has noted that being within the GNU has given her a renewed perspective on how the DA should approach their future steps.

 “Yes, compromise will always have to be there in a coalition country. However, you need to have the heft, you need to have the numbers within that government to be able to steer that government in the direction you wish it to go” said Gwarube as she noted that coalitions may be a thing of the future in South African politics.

 Gwarube also noted that the party will need to prepare for a time where the country may have a president that does not come from the African National Congress (ANC) or that the GNU may have a different structure from the one at present.

 “We need to make sure that we have the largest share of the pie so that the reforms we want to implement in South Africa are not lost.