After falling from grace, former Democratic Alliance (DA) Western Cape leader Bonginkosi Madikizela is having a second go at becoming party leader while Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is aiming for the upper echelons of the party.

Madikizela's sole aim is to return to governance where the party is in government and stabilise the party ahead of the general elections next year.

Speaking to News24 on Thursday, he said he still had much to offer the party in the Western Cape.

"I believe that I have a lot to offer to the DA. The 2024 elections present a massive opportunity for us, and I strongly believe that we are not maximinsing our influence in the province.

"I have the experience to crisscross the province and as you know I bring a team with vast experience and knowledge."

Madikizela resigned in April 2021 after he was suspended for lying about his qualifications.

He admitted he did not finish his BCom degree but added it was not a requirement for political office.

He resigned as transport MEC and Western Cape DA leader but remained a member of the party.

Asked if he wants to return to the government, Madikizela said: "I want to contribute to the party so that we can move beyond the support we are getting currently.

"We can contribute nationally which can take us over the line. Being part of the government is a different process where I have applied for positions. I do want to get back to government, but I believe I have a role to play."

Current DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers will be Madikizela's main opponent.

But given his longstanding leadership, Madikizela enjoys support across the province.

His biggest supporting bloc is in the City of Cape Town with several councillors preferring his leadership.

A councillor, who asked not to be named, told News24, "He is a man that's on the ground and that is why he is liked. That was his success."

Meanwhile, Hill-Lewis is in the running for deputy provincial leader.

He has been mayor of Cape Town since the 2021 local government elections and is said to have the backing of several councillors in Cape Town.

In his message to voting delegates, circulating on social media, Hill-Lewis said the Western Cape was the hope of South Africa.

"We can be proud of what we have achieved together. Now we must help rescue South Africa.

"As deputy provincial leader I will always bring people together internally, based on shared values.

"I will help position us for growth by making the case for a strong devolved government. I will never shy away from taking on our opponents here and nationally," he added.

His mayoral committee member for human settlements, Carl Pophaim, is in the running for deputy provincial chairperson.

Pophaim is fairly new in his position, having been appointed in August.

Long serving DA member Grant Twigg, the mayoral committee member for urban management, is in the running for first additional member to represent the DA's Cape Metro region at provincial level.

The positions up for grabs at the conference includes that of leader, deputy leader, chairperson, three deputy chairpersons, a chairperson for finance and four additional members.

Nominations close on 23 October.

The conference will be held in November.