The Democratic Alliance has officially announced Geordin Hill-Lewis as its mayoral candidate for Cape Town ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The incumbent mayor was unveiled at the party’s campaign launch at the Hanover Park Civic Centre on Saturday. He is now seeking a second term at the helm of the City of Cape Town.

Hill-Lewis used the launch to appeal directly to voters. He asked residents to give the DA another term in office when South Africans head to the polls in November.

DA Puts its Record Forward

In his address, Hill-Lewis defended the DA’s record in the city and said Cape Town had made progress during his first term.

He also warned against complacency.

“As much as we’ve done, there is always much more to do. We cannot be complacent, we must keep moving Cape Town forward,” Hill-Lewis told supporters.

The mayor drew sharp comparisons with other metros, especially Johannesburg. He criticised service delivery problems under the ANC-led coalition in that city.

The DA said it wants to retain control of Cape Town, even as smaller parties try to challenge its support in the Western Cape.

Five-Point Plan for the City

Hill-Lewis outlined a five-point campaign plan focused on stronger policing, job creation, affordable housing, reliable municipal services and cleaner public spaces.

He said Cape Town could not rely only on the South African Police Service to keep communities safe.

According to Hill-Lewis, the city plans to establish a Metro Police Detective Unit and continue pushing for more policing powers.

He also said the DA would keep cutting red tape, streamline licensing processes and invest in infrastructure to attract investment and create jobs.

Housing, Services and Cleaner Spaces

On basic services, Hill-Lewis said the city would work to reduce its reliance on Eskom by buying more power from independent power producers.

He also committed to replacing 100 kilometres of water pipes and 100 kilometres of sewer pipes each year.

On housing, he said the city would expand affordable rental housing through private sector partnerships and release more municipal land for affordable and social housing.

Hill-Lewis also promised stronger action against illegal dumping and littering, expanded cleaning services in informal settlements and more support for homeless residents.

The announcement formally starts his campaign for another five-year term as Cape Town mayor.