By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) confirmed that all preparations are complete and on track for the 2026 Federal Congress this weekend, 11-12 April, in Midrand, Gauteng.
About 2,500 delegates are expected to attend as the party prepares for the elections and sets out its campaign plans.
The nominations for leadership candidates opened on 27 February 2026 and closed on Monday, 23 March 2026.
In terms of clause 6.1.4 of the DA Federal Constitution, Federal Congress is responsible for electing the Federal Leader, the Federal Chairperson, and three Deputy Federal Chairpersons.
Presiding officer Werner Horn says “We are confident that all systems are in place to ensure a seamless, credible, and well-run Congress.”
Horn says the congress is a fair representation of the party’s members across all branches and provinces.
“Our federal constitution determines that no fewer than 45% of all delegates must represent branches, so that would mean they may not be public representatives of the party.”
Horn is also running to replace Helen Zille as Chairperson of the Federal Council, along with Neo Mokoena and Ashor Sarupen.
Here is the list of nominations that have been vetted and found to be compliant:
For Three Deputy Federal Chairpersons:
- — Brink, Cilliers
- — Echeozonjoku, Belinda
- — Gwarube, Siviwe
- — Malatsi, Solly
- — Marais, Anroux
- — Mbombo, Nomafrench
- — Nyati, Nicholas
- For Federal Chairperson:
- — Meyer, Ivan
- — Msimanga, Solly
- For Federal Leader of the DA:
- — Dyonase, Sibusiso
- — Hill-Lewis, Geordin
Before it elects a new party leader, it will grapple with constitutional amendments and vote on resolutions.
Dyonase entered the race for federal leader just two days before the deadline, stepping into a contest widely expected to favour the frontrunner, Hill-Lewis.
The 33-year-old is a caucus leader in Sedibeng, about 80km from Johannesburg. His political journey with the DA began 15 years ago under difficult personal circumstances.
Set against him is Hill-Lewis, whose rise within the party has been far more conventional and far more visible. He formed the DA Students Organisation (DASO) at the University of Cape Town, worked under Zille and went on to serve as an MP for years before becoming Cape Town’s executive mayor in 2021.
While Hill-Lewis enters the race with institutional backing and national recognition, Dyonase’s campaign has been constrained by limited resources.
The DA, which garnered 22% support in the last national elections in 2024, is a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 10-party coalition government.