Steenhuisen's exit reshapes the DA leadership race

MSIMANGA VS HILL-LEWIS

- KARABO NGOEPE

DA leader John Steenhuisen may not seek re-election at the party's Federal Congress in April. | Independent Newspapers Archive

(Independent Newspapers Archive)

WITH reports indicating that DA federal leader John Steenhuisen will not contest the party's leadership race in April, attention has shifted to who could emerge as his successor.

As South Africa heads into a critical local government election year, the DA is under pressure to present a leader who can broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base.

Political analysts say the leadership contest will test whether the party can position itself as a credible alternative government rather than a permanent opposition.

At this stage, two names are emerging as likely frontrunners: Gauteng opposition leader Solly Msimanga and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Other figures being mentioned include Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi. However, analysts suggest that Steenhuisen's decision not to run has fundamentally reshaped the race.