DA’s youthful leadership eyes 2029 breakthrough

The Democratic Alliance is betting on youth to reshape its political future. At its 2026 Federal Congress on Sunday, the party unveiled one of the youngest leadership teams in the country - signalling a clear generational shift. With leaders largely in their thirties, the DA says it’s building momentum to dominate metros in the next local elections and ultimately position itself as the country’s largest party by 2029. Geordin Hill-Lewis takes over as Federal Leader, alongside Solly Msimanga as Federal Chairperson. Phemelo speaks to Msimanga about the party’s roadmap ahead and gets analysis from Director of Research at ASRI Angelo Fick on what this new-look leadership could mean for South Africa’s political landscape.