Who gains: contenders have opened bids that could reshape the Democratic Alliance’s federal leadership when delegates meet in Midrand on April 11 and 12. Karabo Khakhau, the party’s national spokesperson and an MP, has accepted a nomination to stand as first deputy chairperson of the federal council, adding to a contested field that already includes Siviwe Gwarube.
Khakhau circulated a letter to delegates outlining a platform focused on reinforcing party structures and energising women and youth ahead of South Africa’s 2029 general election.
“It is on this basis that I have accepted the nomination to be your 1st deputy chairperson of the federal council,” she wrote, appealing for delegates’ backing to advance that vision. The federal council is the party’s highest decision-making body between congresses, and it operates separately from the federal executive.
Gwarube has confirmed her candidacy for one of three deputy federal chairperson posts in the federal executive, the structure that manages the DA’s day-to-day political strategy. She launched her bid with a poster, a manifesto titled A Growing DA for a Growing SA, and a letter to delegates that emphasised organisation and grassroots activism.
“I am happy to announce that I have accepted the nomination for deputy federal chairperson. The truth is simple: we need to be the largest party in South Africa in order to bring the change so desperately needed in our country,” she said.
“We must therefore elect leaders who will organise, build and expand our support in every province and every community. Only a growing DA can deliver a growing SA.” She added, “Let us never forget the importance of activism. That is what has allowed our party to grow throughout these years.”
The contest for deputy federal chairperson is already set to be competitive. The posts are currently held by JP Smith, Solly Malatsi and Anton Bredell. Malatsi has indicated he will seek another term, and Western Cape minister Anroux Marais has also declared her candidacy.
Separately, Ashor Sarupen has signalled he will try to replace Helen Zille as federal chairperson, after Zille said she would not run and is focusing on the Johannesburg mayorship.
The contest follows John Steenhuisen’s decision not to stand again for federal leader, and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis accepted a nomination for the top party post last week, drawing endorsements from senior figures.
Delegates will elect the federal leader, a federal chairperson, three deputy federal chairpersons, the chairperson of the federal finance committee, and the chairperson and three deputy chairpersons of the federal council. The outcomes will determine who controls party strategy and organisation as the DA prepares for the run-up to 2029.
