Hill-Lewis 'leads DA race'

ELECTION: CAPE TOWN MAYOR SEEN AS STRONGER ON DELIVERY THAN RIVALS >>> Analysts say Zille's preferred candidate is poised to succeed Steenhuisen.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Performers take part in a Chinese lion dance outside a shop in Cyrildene, Joburg, on Saturday during Chinese New Year celebrations marking the beginning of the year of the fire horse. Picture: AFP

(AFP)

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is emerging as a front-runner in the race to replace outgoing DA leader John Steenhuisen.

Independent analysts Sandile Swana and Goodenough Mashego say Hill-Lewis not only enjoys strong backing within the party, but also boasts a stronger record of leadership and service delivery than his rivals, Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga and Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen.

Swana said Hill-Lewis' position is notwithstanding the fact that he is far more junior than Steenhuisen as a politician, including their respective experiences as councillors. Steenhuisen cut his political teeth at the eThekwini metro council.