Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng provincial leader Solly Msimanga will, this weekend, challenge DA Gauteng Shadow Education MEC Khume Ramulifho for the position of provincial leader.

The party will hold its Provincial Congress on Saturday to elect new party leadership.

“This internal election, the outcome of which is to be decided by almost 1 000 delegates, will determine the leadership in Gauteng as we build up to the 2024 election. An election, unlike one South Africa has seen in recent history, deserves the hallmark only free and fair democratic processes can provide,” said the DA.

Ramulifho joined the DA 25 years ago whilst in university. He was involved in building the DA's student organisation (Daso) and he has been part of the party's Federal Council since 2008. 

Msimanga was previously the DA Gauteng spokesperson for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the Provincial Legislature and served on the Education and Economic Development portfolio committees from 2014 until the municipal elections in August 2016 when he was elected, unopposed, as Tshwane mayor.

The party announced that Mathebe Rachel Katlego and Nel Frederik Petrus will contest for the role of provincial chairperson.

Moleko Attie Arthur, Mthumunye Pogiso Glen, Phenyane Lungile Nosipho Precious, Radebe Mosimanegape Richard and Ryder Dennis Richard are candidates for deputy provincial chairperson.