Voting lines are open at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand . Delegates are voting for the leadership that will pilot our vision for a South Africa that works.
Image: X/DA
Democratic Alliance (DA) stands at a crossroads as more than 2,000 delegates stream into voting stations at Midrand’s Gallagher Convention Centre, preparing to elect their new leadership.
This will define the party’s direction ahead of the looming 2026 local government elections, the party said.
This is DA’s largest-ever congress.
Democratic Alliance (DA) delegates have begun voting for their new leadership.
Image: X/DA
With outgoing Federal Leader John Steenhuisen stepping aside, the DA is electing an entirely new top structure, including a federal leader, chairperson and three deputy chairpersons.
The outcome will shape not only internal power dynamics, but also the party’s credibility as a national alternative.
Delegates have already adopted policy positions on energy, housing and migration, signalling a push to sharpen the DA’s governing vision.
Inside DA’s voting stations.
Image: X/DA
The proposals emphasise a managed energy transition and expanded access to affordable housing, key pressure points for voters.
But it is the internal battles that have drawn the sharpest focus.
Delegates debated 58 constitutional amendments, including a contentious proposal to introduce a deputy federal leader role—seen by some as essential to strengthening leadership within the Government of National Unity (GNU), and by others as a shift in party balance.
Questions also linger over whether the incoming leadership will reshuffle the DA’s 12 ministers and deputy ministers in the GNU.
Outgoing federal chairperson, Helen Zille said voting will be free and fair and that no votes will be rigged.
IOL Politics