The Democratic Alliance’s national congress in Midrand this weekend will be a defining moment for the party, according to DA Western Cape leader Tertius Simmers. Speaking ahead of the gathering, Simmers said the elective conference would be a “pivotal turning point” as delegates prepare to choose new federal leaders and map the party’s next phase. The congress comes at a crucial time for the DA as it looks beyond internal leadership changes to the 2026 local government elections and the 2029 national and provincial polls.

Western Cape to send the biggest delegation

Simmers said he is eager to lead the Western Cape’s delegation to Midrand, describing it as the province’s biggest contingent yet. According to him, about 700 members from the province will attend and vote, while the broader congress is expected to draw around 3,000 delegates, making it the largest conference in the DA’s history. That matters politically. The Western Cape remains the party’s power base, where it governs both the province and the City of Cape Town.

Leadership race puts Cape in the spotlight

The spotlight is also firmly on the Western Cape because the DA’s next leader is widely expected to come from the province. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is set to contest the top post against Sibusiso Dyanose from Sedibeng Municipality. Simmers said the mood inside the party is upbeat, especially as several federal positions are expected to change hands. He said a younger generation of leaders entering the contest has added energy and anticipation to the race.

Why this congress could shape the DA’s future

Simmers believes the outcome will echo far beyond this weekend. He said the decisions taken at congress will influence not only the DA’s showing in next year’s local government elections, but also its longer-term push to become the country’s biggest party in a future version of the Government of National Unity. He also used the moment to praise outgoing leader John Steenhuisen, saying he had performed “phenomenally” well. For the DA, this congress is not just about who takes over. It is about what kind of party it wants to be next.