Geordin Hill-Lewis, newly appointed leader of the DA, at the party’s 2026 federal congress held at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg. Photo credit: Freddy Mavunda
Over the weekend, the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand became the focal point for more than 2,000 delegates attending the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) pivotal two-day federal congress, where the party’s leadership was democratically chosen.
Delegates of the DA unite in song on the second day of the 2026 federal congress at Gallagher Convention Centre. Photo: Masi Losi
Photographers from Arena Holdings, including Masi Losi, Freddy Mavunda, and Refilwe Mokholonyane, documented the vibrant atmosphere and key moments throughout the congress’s final day.
In a significant leadership transition, Cape Town’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, was elected as the new head of the Democratic Alliance, signaling a fresh chapter for the party.
Solly Msimanga, who serves as the leader of the opposition in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, was appointed as the party’s federal chairperson, succeeding Helen Zille in this influential role.
Solly Msimanga, newly elected federal chairperson of the DA, beams with pride after the congress at Gallagher Convention Centre. Photo: Masi Losi
Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen was chosen to lead as the federal council chairperson, adding his expertise to the party’s top tier.
From left to right: Ashor Sarupen, federal council chairperson; Solly Msimanga, federal chairperson; and Geordin Hill-Lewis, DA leader. Photo: Masi Losi
Deputy Federal Chairperson Solly Malatsi at the DA federal congress, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. Photo: Refilwe Kholomonyane
The congress also announced three deputy federal chairpersons: Solly Malatsi, currently serving as the Minister of Communications; Cilliers Brink, former mayor of Tshwane; and Siviwe Gwarube, the Minister of Basic Education, each bringing diverse leadership experience to the party’s executive.
Cilliers Brink, newly elected deputy federal chairperson, at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. Photo: Refilwe Kholomonyane
Supporters of Geordin Hill-Lewis celebrate his victory as the new DA leader during the 2026 Federal Congress at Gallagher Convention Centre. Photo: Masi Losi
Geordin Hill-Lewis, accompanied by his wife Carla Hill-Lewis, after being declared the new leader of the Democratic Alliance. Photo: Refilwe Kholomonyane
New DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis alongside his contender for the leadership, Sibusiso Dyonase, at the 2026 federal congress in Midrand. Photo: Freddy Mavunda
DA delegates enthusiastically sing during the second day of the federal congress in Midrand. Photo: Refilwe Kholomonyane
DA delegates exit the Gallagher Convention Centre following the election of new leadership during the two-day federal congress. Photo: Masi Losi
