THE ‘blue-party’ as the Democratic Alliance is known, has promised its all stsyem-go for the 2026 Federal Congress this weekend.
Gallagher Estate Center, Midrand, will welcome over 2000 delegates from April 10 to 11, as they vote for representatives to ascend to the party’s hotly contested seats.
Werner Horn, the Presiding Officer, said: “We are confident that all systems are in place to ensure a seamless, credible, and well-run Congress.”
“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.”
The unassuming Horn, who is vying to replace the party stalwart Helen Zille, says the congress is a fair representation of the party’s members across all branches and provinces.
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.
Zille, who is the Chairperson of the Federal Council, is hard at work campaigning to become the Mayor of Joburg.
Horn, will contest the seat alongside Neo Mokoena and Ashor Sarupen.
Enter ‘unknown’ Accounting Science graduate Sibusiso Dyonase, from Sedibeng caucus leader, who will battle it out with the likable Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis, for the leadership position.
“I did not want him to contest alone,” Dyonase was quoted by the Sunday Times, having entered the race only two days ago.
Ahead of this much awaited Federal Elections, DA was marred by controversy following the withdrawal of its MP Karabo Khakhau, who withdrew from the party’s leadership race.
The outspoken MP says she was forced out due to a dispute over party tithes, while those close to what transpired argue the issue is purely procedural.
“I do not owe the DA a cent”, Khakhau responded harshly, following reports that she did not pay a required R4.250 which was due in July last year. She did settle it, eventually, but DA’s stance was “consistent compliance over time is required”.
She was to contest for the deputy chair of DA federal council.
DA Federal Council newly elected representatives will also prepare for the 2026 Local Government Elections to be held in November.
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
Image provided (Pointing towards my direction. Cape Town Mayor- Geordin Hill-Lewis is contesting DA’s leadership seat).
