Excitement Builds Among DA Leaders in Western Cape Ahead of Pivotal Elective Congress

More than 2,000 delegates are set to descend on Johannesburg this weekend for the DA’s high-stakes elective congress , a pivotal moment that could reshape the party’s leadership and direction ahead of crucial elections.

The two-day congress, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, will see party members vote for a new federal leadership team. With nearly 700 delegates , the Western Cape is sending the largest provincial delegation.

‘Electric’ Mood

DA Western Cape chairperson Jaco Londt said excitement has been building as delegates begin arriving.

“Some of the people have arrived already. Some of the buses are leaving later this afternoon, others are leaving early tomorrow morning, and you can just hear the excitement from across the province.”

Londt said the congress could usher in a new, younger leadership cohort.

“We have such an exciting young crop of leaders who have put up their hands, and there’s a very real possibility that without any said quotas, we will have an incredibly young, diverse team that is going to take us forward.”

Positions to Be Elected

Voting for the federal council has already concluded. The weekend will see elections for:

• Federal chairperson

• Finance chairperson

• Three deputy chairperson positions

DA’s Role in GNU

Londt defended the DA’s identity within the Government of National Unity.

“I’m incredibly proud of what Ashor Sarupen is doing as a deputy finance minister, and how we’re using our influence there for positive change. I’m excited to see how people like Leon Schreiber and Dean Macpherson are performing.”

Provincial Leader’s View

DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers said the party is entering a crucial period.

“The feeling in the mood so far is very positive. Noting that there are a number of key positions which will, for the first time, see a change of hands where new blood will be entering the system.”

“2026 is also a local government election year during which we will be electing a new leadership, who will also then lead us not only to a local government election, but also understanding that we also, in three years time, heading towards the national and provincial elections.”

Analyst’s View

Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said the DA appears to be deliberately repositioning itself by promoting younger leaders.

“They see that as an investment that was made in time. The posture of the DA is to say, we are going to avail to the nation, people who are young, who are steeped in the DA’s ideology of liberalism, but also who can be attractive to young people.”

However, he warned that generational renewal alone would not be enough. He argued that the party’s biggest test will be how it grapples with inequality and historical disadvantage.

“If you treat this person who is privileged, who has had the benefit of education, or also old money, and then you have somebody who comes from an informal settlement, and you compare them equally, you are continuously disadvantaging the person who comes in with a historic disadvantage.”

The Bottom Line

2,000 delegates. 700 from the Western Cape. A new, younger leadership cohort expected.

The DA is gathering to choose its future.

{Source: IOL}

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