ONE of the youngest leaders to come out of the Democratic Alliance, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has been declared the new Federal leader, over the weekend.
The City of Cape Town Mayor Hill- Lewis (39) will lead the changes his blue party has mapped, for the next three-years’.
He takes over from Helen Zille, who is vying for the Joburg Mayor electoral position.
As indicated in my previous report, he got pitted against Sedibeng young leader Sibusiso Dyanose, who did not ‘stand a chance’.
The charming Hill-Lewis takes over the reigns from outgoing DA leader John Steenhuisen.
The current Minister of Agriculture announced he would not seek re-election this year.
Over 2500 delegates attended the three- day conference at the Gallagher Estate Center over the weekend, who did not cause any disruption or attempted to challenge the outcome of the votes to court.
“I accepted the responsibility of federal leader with “humility, gratitude and with a deep sense of duty”, he said during his victory address on Sunday afternoon.
“I stand before you as your newly elected leader with one promise: however long I have the privilege of serving in this job, I will be dedicated to the mission of building a strong South Africa for everyone. Because South Africa is truly worth it.”
He said that each generation of DA leaders has built something that the next generation will expand on.
“Each generation deserves our gratitude,” says Hill-Lewis, who identified a four-point plan:
- Continuing to show that the DA governs well for everyone in South Africa;
- Connecting more deeply with non-DA voters;
- Being a strong and principled partner in the national coalition; and
- Leading with belief in South Africa.
“And now, the question before me – the question before us – concerns what the next chapter in our party’s story will be.
The question is not whether we can oppose or whether we can govern. The question is whether the DA can lead South Africa – whether we can become the largest party in the national government in future.
“And let me tell you as your newly elected leader, my answer is a resounding yes.
He intends to seek another term as mayor of Cape Town rather than take up a cabinet post — a decision he says will enable him to better differentiate the DA from the ANC because he won’t be answerable to Ramaphosa on a daily basis.
“Under my leadership, the DA will fight every day to shape the direction of government so that it reflects our values. And that is why we must continue to oppose policies in the GNU that block our country’s progress,” he said.
Other new members:
Gauteng Legislature caucus leader Solly Msimanga, is new federal chairperson,
DA Federal Council Chairperson, Ashor Sarupen,
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink and Communications Minister Solly Malatsi were elected as Msimanga’s deputies.
Questions though were raised on representation since Gwarube is the only female on this new administration.
Image provided (New DA federal boss and Cape Town Mayor- Geordin Hill-Lewis, recorded addressing thousands of delegates in Midrand over the weekend).
