Can This Leader Expand the Democratic Alliance’s Reach in a Racially Divided South Africa?

Geordin Hill-Lewis, the newly elected leader of South Africa’s second-largest political party, faces a critical task: transforming the Democratic Alliance (DA) from a group predominantly supported by white communities and other minorities into a force that resonates with the nation’s black majority. Despite the country’s evolution into a multi-ethnic “Rainbow Nation” since 1994, racial divisions persist. To achieve broader appeal, Hill-Lewis must address these gaps and foster unity among South Africa’s diverse population.

For years, the DA has struggled to secure more than 20% of the vote. This changed in 2024 when the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority for the first time, forcing a coalition with the DA and eight other parties. Yet, even with this shift, the DA’s support remained just under 22%, highlighting its continued challenge in capturing a larger share of the electorate.

Addressing the Trust Gap

Hill-Lewis, who retains a youthful look at 39, emphasized the need to “close the trust deficit” during his address to the SABC, the national broadcaster. He stated that winning the confidence of black South Africans, who constitute 80% of the population, would be his “main focus of mine.” “Racial silos have long been firm, but they are now breaking and cracking—this is encouraging,” he added, signaling a potential turning point.

“We have to make it clear to black South Africans that we are genuinely invested in their advancement, but we do not support the current system of BEE,” Hill-Lewis said, referring to the ANC’s Black Economic Empowerment policy. The DA opposes BEE, viewing it as a barrier to economic efficiency rather than a tool for equity.

The DA’s previous efforts to attract black voters ended in failure when its first black leader, Mmusi Maimane, resigned in 2019, claiming the party was “not the vehicle best suited to take forward the vision of building” a united nation. This time, however, the party’s leadership appears more racially inclusive. Hill-Lewis’s election saw black politicians like Solly Msimanga, Siviwe Gwarube, and Solly Malatsi ascend to prominent roles alongside him.

A New Era of Leadership

Political analyst Dr Levy Ndou noted that Hill-Lewis’s rise, combined with other young leaders, “ushers in a new era” for the DA. He described the party as now “resembling a multiracial organization,” though gender diversity remains uneven, with only one woman holding a senior position.

Hill-Lewis’s political journey within the DA began in his teens. As a 18-year-old, he entered the party ranks and later became the youngest member of parliament in 2011. A decade later, he made history again by becoming Cape Town’s youngest mayor. Unlike his predecessor John Steenhuisen, who joined the coalition government, Hill-Lewis has chosen to stay as mayor, balancing his role with a campaign to challenge the ANC in local elections.

Political analyst Sandile Swana remarked that Hill-Lewis has been “groomed in the DA,” underscoring his deep ties to the party. While he aims to maintain control over DA ministers in the government, his decision to avoid a cabinet post under President Cyril Ramaphosa reflects a strategic focus on local politics and long-term reforms. The DA’s relationship with the ANC remains tense, but both parties have managed to sustain their alliance despite differing views on economic and foreign policy.