Enthusiasm as 'young' Hill-Lewis eyes DA's top post

THE SOUNDS of “GHL!, GHL!” echoed throughout Halt Road as Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis took to the stage to make his “big announcement” that he has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next leader of the Democratic Alliance.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

CAPE Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. I File

(I File)

If elected at the party’s upcoming congress in April, he would become the youngest federal leader in the DA’s history — 39 years old — a factor his backers say signals generational renewal within the party.

Hill-Lewis’ candidacy follows the decision by current DA leader John Steenhuisen not to stand for reelection.

Hill-Lewis thanked Steenhuisen for stabilising and strengthening the party, saying the DA was in a better position because of his leadership. At the same time, he said the moment called for growth and a deeper connection with voters across the country.

“If we are going to build a stronger South Africa,” he told supporters, “we must have a stronger Democratic Alliance”. The launch event at Elsies River Civic Hall was marked by enthusiasm from those in attendance.

Reacting to the news political analyst, Nkosikhulule Nyembezi, said: “This candidature has been creating waves for a while, even among many who are not party members. I see Hill-Lewis’ stepping into the howling void Steenhuisen has vacated.”

Nyembezi said Hill-Lewis may be exactly what the party needed.