Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga says he is still applying his mind on whether to accept a nomination to contest the party’s top leadership position, following John Steenhuisen’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Msimanga was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the DA’s announcement of its mayoral candidate for the Lesedi Municipality on Friday.
Steenhuisen announced on Wednesday in Durban that he will not seek another term as DA leader, triggering early manoeuvring ahead of the party’s elective federal congress scheduled for April.
The DA is currently a key player in coalition governments at national and provincial level following the 2024 general elections, where no party secured an outright majority. The party has positioned itself as a central force in governance and policy negotiations within the Government of National Unity.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis are among those tipped to contest the leadership position. Both are regarded as close allies of Steenhuisen and are seen as representing continuity within the party.
The outcome of the April National Federal Congress is expected to shape the DA’s strategic direction as it seeks to consolidate its role in government and grow its electoral support ahead of future elections.
Msimanga confirmed that several party members have approached him to consider contesting for the leadership position, but said no final decision has been made.
“Looking at where we need to be going as the Democratic Alliance, I am seriously applying my mind and I will make an announcement very, very soon when the time is right,” Msimanga said.
“The question is: in what capacity can I serve best?”
Msimanga also praised Steenhuisen’s tenure, saying the outgoing leader leaves the party in a stronger position than when he took over.
“First of all, we have more structures than we had before, more branches than we had before. Certainly in Gauteng, we have launched 98 branches,” he said.
He reflected on the challenges facing the party when Steenhuisen assumed leadership, describing it as a period of instability and declining confidence.
“When he took over, it was a mess. Many people had left to join other parties, some started their own. It was a long and tiresome job to rebuild,” Msimanga said.
“There were people writing the DA’s obituary, doubting whether the party would bounce back — but here we are.”
Msimanga said the DA’s return to government and its role in holding the African National Congress (ANC) to account demonstrates the party’s recovery.
“We are in government, we are able to hold the ANC to account. We stopped the VAT increase and we are providing solutions,” he added.
