Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has not ruled out that he may well decide to contest the DA’s leadership position in April, but he has emphasised that he has yet to make a firm decision on the matter.

Hill-Lewis’s name has popped up in numerous reports as the frontrunner to take over from John Steenhuisen, and the Mayor confirmed on X on Thursday morning that he has been approached by many party members to stand for the position of Federal leader.

It comes after Steenhuisen announced he will not contest the position at the upcoming Federal Congress.

The Mayor says his decision will be made public later in February:

“The DA’s internal campaign rules stipulate that public campaigning may only begin when the nomination period opens. That will happen later this month, which is when I will announce my intentions.”

Hill-Lewis says whatever is decided, he will remain committed to stand for a second term as the Mayor of Cape Town.

“It is the DA’s biggest government and our strongest platform as we head into the local elections.”

He says if he does stand for election as DA leader, he will welcome a robust and principled process “focused on competing ideas for the future of our party and our country.”

“We have many excellent leaders, and an open exchange of ideas can only strengthen us. Thank you to all those who have reached out to me. It is an honour to be considered, and whatever the outcome, our focus must remain on serving every South African and building a country of hope.”