By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The Democratic Alliance (DA) held its Federal Congress over the weekend in Midrand at the Gallagher Convention Centre and presented newly elected young leadership which were announced on Sunday.
Over two thousand delegates from across the country gathered at the convention centre. Out of 10 newly elected federal leaders only 2 were above the age of 50 showing a promise of a new era being ushered in by the party as faces such as Helen Zille, Dion Georgo, Ivan Meyer take a seat to make way for this new era.
Geordin Hill-Lewis becomes the new federal leader. Hill-Lewis, who has been Cape Town’s new mayor, has consistently stated his intention to maintain his position and intends to run for a second term. Hill-Lewis laid out a four point plan for the leadership on Sunday which are; to continue to show that the DA governs well for everyone in South Africa, connecting more deeply with non-DA voters, being a strong and principled partner in the national coalition; and leading with belief in South Africa.
“I stand before you as your newly elected leader with one promise: however long I have the privilege of serving in this job, I will be dedicated to the mission of building a strong South Africa for everyone. Because South Africa is truly worth it” said Hill Lewis in his acceptance speech.
Mark Burke, who is the age of 36, has been elected as the new federal finance chair. “There’s a baton being passed to all of us as young leaders, including myself. One of our federal chairpersons, James Selfe, used to say ‘Don’t mess this up’- he used stronger language than that. I hope that we don’t drop the baton as it’s being passed to us” said Burke at the Federal congress.
Siviwe Gwarube, who also serves as Minister of Basic Education, has noted that she is honoured to have been elected as one of the deputy federal chairpersons.
“Being voted as the first deputy federal chairperson is no small feat, and of course I want to tell them and the people at home we will be building a stronger DA. A trustworthy DA and a DA they can connect with,” said Gwarube.
The leadership is expected to assume their positions until 2029. Solly Msimanga was nominated as the new federal chairperson who takes the reins from Helen Zille.
Helen Zille also opened up the Federal Congress with an address stating there needs to be a shift in perspective when it comes to politics and that there should be a focus on eliminating race-based politics.
“We must resist the pull of race-based politics and defend the inclusive, rational centre. We are not black, not white we are blue” said Zille in her opening remarks. “Historically liberalism has taken root in relatively homogenous societies. As those societies become more diverse- as so many are in our shrinking, interconnected world-liberal democracies often becomes pressure” Zille said further.
Outgoing Party Leader John Steenhuisen gave an address at the Federal Congress stating that his mission is now complete.
“For the very first time, the people of South Africa now have a true political alternative, because we have proven that the DA is not only ready to get a few municipalities and provinces working, but that we are ready to get South Africa working” said Steenhuisen.