The Democratic Alliance (DA) has named the first eight of its 30 DA Western Cape mayoral candidates for the 2026 local government elections.

Party leaders presented the candidates on Thursday in Cape Town, describing them as “fit-for-purpose” after a rigorous selection process.

DA Reveals First Eight of 30 Western Cape Mayoral Candidates

The announced candidates and their municipalities are:
• Beaufort West – Gina Duimpies
• Cape Winelands District – Antoinette Steyn
• Central Karoo District – October Haarvoor
• Hessequa – Gerald Boezak
• Kannaland – Joslyn Johnson
• Knysna – Levael Davis
• Laingsburg – Aletta Theron
• Overberg District – Dr Annelie Rabie

These municipalities include areas where the DA currently governs and several where it sits in opposition. The party governs the majority of the Western Cape’s 30 municipalities and recorded clean audits in 20 of them in 2024.

Candidates Aim to Extend DA Track Record

DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers said the announcement signals the party’s readiness to deliver reliable basic services, safeguard communities, root out corruption and create jobs.

“Where we govern, these candidates will build onto our track record of delivery. Where we do not govern, these candidates represent an opportunity for voters to get their towns working like only the DA can,” Simmers stated.

Federal chairperson Dr Ivan Meyer emphasised that the candidates understand local issues such as water, sanitation, refuse collection and public transport. He confirmed they underwent a “thorough” selection process.

DA leader John Steenhuisen, who on Wednesday announced he will not seek re-election as federal leader when his term ends in April, linked the candidates to the party’s governance record since 2009: more than 500 000 jobs created in the Western Cape, over R50-billion in investment attracted, and the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

DA Leadership Highlights Readiness Ahead of 2026 Polls

Steenhuisen described the candidates as renewing a promise of good governance and opportunity. He also highlighted recent by-election gains in the province as evidence of growing voter support for “capable, honest government”.