CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE — The Democratic Alliance has officially confirmed that it will retain Geordin Hill-Lewis as its Cape Town mayoral candidate ahead of the upcoming local government elections in November.
The announcement arrives as multiple opposition parties intensify their campaigns to challenge the DA’s longstanding grip on South Africa’s second-largest metropolis. The party has maintained an outright majority and governed the city for nearly two decades.
Hill-Lewis’s nomination was widely anticipated. Back in May, he publicly stated his willingness to serve a second term should the party select him, noting that he had already completed his formal interview for the position. Following the official announcement, he addressed the residents of the city, emphasizing the party’s proven track record. He urged voters to renew their mandate for both his leadership and the DA.
Outlining the party’s platform, Hill-Lewis highlighted several core priorities for the city. He focused heavily on effective and affordable service delivery, acknowledging that many residents are facing increased financial pressure when paying for municipal services and rates. Additionally, he identified safety and security as a critical focus area, reaffirming the party’s stance on the devolution of policing powers, alongside commitments to housing delivery and other key service improvements.
Despite the DA’s historical dominance, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. ActionSA also announced its mayoral candidate for the city on the same day, joining numerous other political parties that have already launched their campaign trails and finalized their candidates. Meanwhile, major political entities, including the ANC, are still yet to officially reveal who will be leading their ticket for the Cape Town mayoral race.
