Newly elected Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says his top priority is to transform the party into South Africa’s leading governing force, capable of winning national power.

Speaking at the party’s 2026 Federal Congress, Hill-Lewis accepted the leadership role with what he called “a deep sense of duty,” pledging to grow the DA into the country’s largest political party and lead a future national government.

He outlined a clear mission: moving the DA beyond opposition and coalition participation to becoming a full governing party. “The question is whether the DA can lead the country… and my answer is yes,” he told delegates.

Hill-Lewis said the party’s path to victory rests on four key pillars: proving it can govern effectively, connecting with more voters, playing a principled role in national government, and promoting belief in South Africa’s future.

He pointed to the DA’s track record in government, including in Cape Town, as evidence that it can deliver services, manage budgets, and improve people’s lives.

The new leader also stressed the importance of expanding support beyond the party’s traditional base, saying trust must be earned “community by community.”

On national governance, Hill-Lewis committed the DA to remaining a strong partner in the Government of National Unity, while opposing policies it believes hinder progress.

He identified crime as South Africa’s most urgent challenge, calling for a major overhaul of policing and a renewed focus on law and order to unlock economic growth.

Looking ahead, Hill-Lewis said upcoming local government elections will be a key stepping stone, with the ultimate goal of winning national power in 2029.

“We are not here to shout from the sidelines,” he said. “We are here to govern, and to build a country that works.”

Read Hill-Lewis’s full speech HERE or watch it below.