DA MP Siviwe Gwarube has confirmed she is running for Deputy Federal Chairperson.
The DA is expected to hold the national federal congress in April 2026.
Gwarube made the announcement on X on Monday, declaring: “Yes it is true, I am running!” She said the DA must grow into the country’s largest party to deliver meaningful national change.“The truth is simple: we need to be the largest party in South Africa in order to bring the change so desperately needed,” she wrote, calling for leaders who can “organise, build and expand our support in every province and every community.
“Only a growing DA can deliver a growing SA,” she stated that growth is survival.
She is not alone in entering the fray. DA MP Karabo Khakhau has accepted nomination for Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council, vowing to strengthen party structures.
“Democrats. I have accepted nomination to serve as our DA deputy chairperson of Federal Council. Together we can build structures and win the Future.”
Meanwhile, Geordin Hill-Lewis and Solly Msimanga have both confirmed bids for senior national leadership roles.
Hill-Lewis is campaigning on his governance record in Cape Town, citing job creation and service delivery.Msimanga has pledged to consolidate support and energise voters nationwide.
This is after party leader John Steenhuisen has announced he will not seek re-election, triggering a high-stakes internal contest and opening space for generational renewal.
The DA has formally opened nominations, setting the stage for an intense internal battle with national implications.