The race for deputy positions in the DA’s federal leadership structure is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with a broad field of candidates aiming for key roles ahead of the party’s internal elections.
Several senior leaders from the national government, provincial legislatures, and local government have entered the contest for deputy federal chairperson. While incumbent Ivan Meyer and Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga will contest the federal chair post.
The race is widely regarded as one of the most hotly contested within the party’s forthcoming leadership reshuffle.
Among those vying for the three deputy federal chair positions are City of Cape Town Safety and Security MMC JP Smith, Western Cape MEC for Local Government Anton Bredell, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, and Western Cape MEC for Public Safety Anroux Marais.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has also thrown her hat into the ring, along with former Western Cape health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo, now serving in the provincial legislature.
Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink and Johannesburg councillor Belinda Echeozonjuko further add to the diverse pool of contenders for this influential role.
Provincial voting blocs are expected to play a decisive role, with Gauteng holding the largest share, followed by the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The high concentration of Western Cape leaders in the race could prove a challenge, as they must compete for support within their own province.
A senior member of the party explained the increased interest in the leadership race.
“The high participation is because of the GNU (government of national unity). People are contesting with hopes of securing appointments as ministers or deputy ministers. What is ironic is that the DA has long opposed a bloated cabinet, yet now finds itself part of the same system,” a senior source noted.
The competition extends to the DA’s federal council, the party’s highest decision-making body between federal congresses.
Among the candidates who are competing for the three deputy federal council positions are Thomas Walters, a seasoned MP who is seeking re-election as deputy; Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo; DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau; and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Annelie Lotriet, who is also an incumbent.
Deonay Balie, a transgender activist from Namaqualand in the Northern Cape, is also looking to emerge victorious for the position.
Deputy federal chairperson positions are particularly sought-after because they lie at the core of the party’s decision-making processes and often act as stepping stones to higher leadership roles.
Meanwhile, MP Dr Mark Burke is being lobbied for the party’s finance chair position.
He currently serves as the DA’s finance spokesperson and is a member of Parliament’s committee on finance, the standing committee on public accounts, and the appropriations committee.
The broader leadership race is taking place ahead of the DA’s federal congress, where delegates will elect a new national leadership team to guide the party through the next political cycle and the 2026 local government elections.
Attention on the race is intensified by the departure of John Steenhuisen, who has led the party since 2020 and recently announced he would step down to focus on his role as South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture in the GNU. His exit has opened the door for a wider leadership reshuffle, with several senior positions now up for grabs.
City of Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has already declared his candidacy for federal leader, currently standing as the only contender.
The contest is also taking place amid a generational shift in the party, with a blend of established figures and younger leaders competing to shape the DA’s strategic direction moving forward.
