Gwarube eyes top DA post

Gwarube will vie for the position at the 2026 elective congress, aiming to succeed Helen Zille as federal council chair rather than pursuing the federal leader role

- Mandisa Nyathi & Lunga Mzangwe

In the race: Siviwe Gwarube says she has no ambition to become DA leader but would be seeking a position in the party's top organisational structures, without specifying which role. Photos: Supplied

(Photos: Supplied)

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has become the latest leader to throw her hat in the ring for a senior leadership position in the Democratic Alliance (DA) as the party prepares for its elective congress in April 2026.

She says she is not challenging party leader John Steenhuisen.

Gwarube told the Mail & Guardian this week that she had no interest in being DA leader but would be seeking a role in the party’s top organisational structure, without specifying which role.

“There’s no truth in that I am seeking to be federal leader. What I did indicate is that I am in the run for one of the leadership positions in the organisation but I was emphatic that I am not running for DA leader. I will announce it as soon as the nomination process opens,” Gwarube said.

Gwarube’s confirmation comes as senior DA leaders lobby her to pursue the post of federal council chair, a top organisational role left open for contestation after incumbent Helen Zille said she would not seek a third term.

Gwarube said her ability to secure support from the party’s roughly 2000 delegates would depend on the strength of her campaign and the delegates’ judgment of her leadership skills.

“How confident I am in terms of being able to convince the 2 000-person congress is dependent on the strength of my campaign.

“I have been in the organisation since I was 22 years old and that is over 15 years ago. I think the congress will judge my contribution to the DA based on my contribution over the time,” she added.

She highlighted her long service across party structures and said delegates should decide where she was best suited.