The Democratic Alliance (DA) kicked off its two-day federal congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Saturday, with over 2,000 delegates expected to attend and elect a new federal leader, chairperson, and three deputy chairpersons.
Current leaders John Steenhuisen and Helen Zille are not contesting any of the top positions. Voting is scheduled for Sunday using the party’s Opera Vote electronic system, which provides delegates with unique codes for private balloting in cubicles. A total of 2,184 voters are on the roll, drawn from all provinces.
Bridget Masango, a senior DA leader and presiding officer for the congress, described the scale of preparations. She said the team arrived as early as quarter to six in the morning to ensure systems were ready for the influx of delegates arriving by buses and cars. Registration, which began at 6:30 and ended at 8:45, involved scanning IDs or equivalent documents to issue slips, lunch vouchers, and armbands. A fully computerized process managed the flow, and Masango noted that candidates had behaved appropriately with no issues reported so far.
Masango explained that any DA member in good standing—meaning an active, financially compliant member whose membership is renewed annually—can be nominated for positions with a proposer and seconder. Nominations undergo vetting by the compliance office before campaigning begins among delegates. She added that the current leader, John Steenhuisen, had stepped aside after fulfilling his promises over six years, paving the way for a new cohort, including younger leaders under 40.
The congress comes as the DA participates in the Government of National Unity (GNU), which Masango said has showcased the party’s governance capabilities and contributed to membership growth and greater public visibility. She highlighted the upcoming local government elections (possibly in November 2026 or early 2027) and the need to align local campaigns with the federal manifesto, emphasizing service delivery and community engagement.
A separate segment featured DA councillor candidate in Emfuleni Kingsol Chabalala, who described her daily oversight work in the community, including inspections of illegal dumping sites and parks. She noted that despite millions spent by authorities on clearing dumps and cutting grass, residents often see little improvement, with sites reappearing and parks turning into dumping grounds. Chabalala stressed ongoing engagement with residents to build support ahead of elections, promising better prioritization and service delivery if given the chance to govern.
In an interview at the congress, Solly Msimanga, Gauteng DA leader and candidate for federal chairperson against incumbent Ivan Meyer, outlined his vision. Msimanga stated that the DA is becoming the biggest party in urban areas and has the potential to become the biggest in the country. However, he warned that this goal would not be achieved if the party forgets small towns and provinces.
Msimanga said he has campaigned extensively across the country, visiting every province and small towns, unlike any other leader. He argued the party must change gears to build representation and active DA structures in every community, from urban centres to places like Kuruman, ensuring it is present beyond election periods.
He emphasized shifting from pure opposition to governance-focused discussions on international relations, the environment, infrastructure, and fiscal issues. While acknowledging strong service delivery in DA-run areas—citing examples like world-class clinics, libraries, and housing in places like Khayelitsha and Gugulethu—Msimanga noted that this has not always translated into majority voter support due to a lingering “trust gap.” He stressed the need for consistent community presence, where public representatives champion local issues daily, not just during campaigns.
Msimanga highlighted the importance of reconnecting with voters so they feel the DA’s efforts are “for us,” rather than for others. He pointed to Helen Zille’s energetic engagement as an example of addressing issues people care about. On broader societal divides, including race, he advocated building unity through a national dialogue on South Africa’s future, focusing on prosperity for all irrespective of background, without disadvantaging any community. Resources should be directed to uplift areas as needed, he said.
If elected federal chairperson, Msimanga said he would replicate his Gauteng successes nationally: rebuilding collapsed structures, regaining lost support in areas like Riverlea, Eldorado Park, and Reiger Park, improving performance in places like Mamelodi through by-elections, and developing internal infrastructure. He noted that Gauteng is the only province with a ready “Ready to Govern” document and aims to extend this preparedness nationwide to position the DA strongly for the 2026 local elections and the 2029 national elections.
The congress is described as the party’s largest yet, driven by high delegate numbers, media interest (with hundreds registered), and special guests. It occurs at a time when the DA is in government and preparing for further electoral gains.