DA
The DA (Democratic Alliance) is South Africa's official opposition party and the second-largest political formation in the National Assembly. Formed in 2000 through a merger of the Democratic Party, the New National Party and the Federal Alliance, the DA positions itself as a liberal, multiracial alternative to the governing ANC. The party advocates for free-market economic policies, property rights, the rule of law, and what it terms a social-market economy that balances growth with social support. The DA has its strongest support base among white, coloured and Indian voters, though it has worked to broaden its appeal across racial lines with mixed success. The party governs the Western Cape province, where it has held power since 2009, and controls several major municipalities including Cape Town, where Geordin Hill-Lewis serves as mayor. Under successive leaders including Tony Leon, Helen Zille and John Steenhuisen, the DA has grown its national vote share from around 10% in the early 2000s to approximately 21% in the 2024 elections. The party has positioned itself as a champion of good governance and anti-corruption, frequently challenging the ANC government through parliamentary oversight and court action. Following the 2024 elections, the DA entered into a Government of National Unity with the ANC, a controversial decision that tested internal party cohesion. The party competes for opposition space with the Economic Freedom Fighters and uMkhonto weSizwe Party, both of which draw support from different segments of the electorate. The DA's policy platform emphasises job creation, investment in infrastructure, education reform and professionalisation of the public service.
DA Updates
Daily Podcast – June 23, 2026
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 23rd June 2026 Making headlines: Ekurhuleni budget passed after major ANC concessions; SA court says family of Zambia's ex-leader should choose his burial site;... →
Ekurhuleni budget passed after major ANC concessions 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 23rd June 2026 The DA used its voting leverage to force major budgetary concessions from the ANC in Ekurhuleni after three failed budget votes threatened a... →
DA demands transparency from PIC on Mokgoro, Mpati reports
By: Thabi Shomolekae 23rd June 2026 The DA has lodged a formal complaint with the Information Regulator against the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) for failing to release critical... →
Register to vote DA to get North West municipalities working!
19th June 2026 This weekend, 20 and 21 June 2026, North West residents have an opportunity to take the first step towards restoring accountable government and... →
Daily Podcast – June 18, 2026
By: Halima Frost 18th June 2026 Making headlines: Impeachment committee opposes Ramaphosa’s interdict; ANC slams DA’s proposed GNU reshuffle as ‘populist, contradictory’; And,... →
ANC slams DA’s proposed GNU reshuffle as ‘populist, contradictory’
By: Thabi Shomolekae 18th June 2026 The ANC on Thursday launched a scathing attack on its coalition partner the DA, claiming its recent Cabinet reshuffle proposals expose “deep... →
Daily Podcast – June 17, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 17th June 2026 Making headlines: Aucamp replaces Steenhuisen as Agriculture Minister; Labour unions urge workers to shun anti-migrant protests; And, EU supports... →
DA reshuffles GNU team: Aucamp replaces Steenhuisen as Agriculture Minister
By: Thabi Shomolekae 17th June 2026 DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has officially requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa remove John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture, in a... →
DA: Geordin Hill-Lewis: Address by DA leader, the party's Rock the Registration Youth Day Rally, Durban (16/06/2026)
17th June 2026 Fifty years ago, young South Africans stood up against injustice. They showed courage. They refused to accept a future decided for them by an... →
Changes to DA representation in the Government of National Unity
17th June 2026 Following a careful assessment of the DA’s team in the Government of National Unity, I have written to President Ramaphosa setting out several... →
