DA rules warn against using state resources

Blue machine prepares for 2026 federal congress

- By Queenin Masuabi

With preparations for the DA's 2026 federal congress in full swing, campaigning is also well underway.

In the DA, candidates vying to lead the party run highly organised campaigns through their managers, who set up call centres and spend heavily on airtime to reach the more than 2000 delegates expected to participate in the party’s elective congress in April.

Campaigns also include printing and distributing branded T-shirts to supporters, highlighting the resources poured into persuading delegates. Yet, while the contest for the federal council chair position and its three deputies is decided by just over 200 federal council members on the morning of the conference, the stakes are enormous. These roles wield significant influence over the party’s direction, making them highly coveted despite the small electorate.