As the DA marks its twenty-sixth birthday, now under the leadership of newly elected federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, he says the occasion serves as a reflection of the party’s historic roots and a forward-looking commitment to its future in South African governance.

Hill-Lewis noted that the party’s story was intertwined with the South African liberal tradition, noting the formation of the Progressive Party in 1959 and Helen Suzman being the party’s only Member of Parliament in 1961.

He said this foundation established a “lasting inheritance for the DA”.

“Now we stand on the brink of a new era, one in which the DA will strive to take the final step to become the largest party in South Africa, which will then be able to lead governing coalitions. We can afford to set ourselves such ambitious targets only because of the immense efforts of the great South Africans who went before us. Becoming the largest party will be as hard a task as we have ever undertaken,”  Hill-Lewis said.

He believes that voters are looking for a reversal of decline and further believes that the DA has established an exceptional governance record to ensure this happens.

As the party celebrates its milestone, Hill-Lewis emphasises that its overarching mission is to continue taking the necessary steps to eventually become the largest party in South Africa.

“On the DA’s birthday, we honour those who built this party: those who stood alone, those who fought for democracy, those who governed well, and those who kept believing when hope was hard to find. Now it is our responsibility. South Africa can work — for everyone. And together, we are proving it,” he declared.