Prof. Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo
Image: File
Former Western Cape Health MEC Dr Nomafrench Mbombo has confirmed her availability to contest a senior leadership position within the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the party’s upcoming Federal Congress in April 2026 in Midrand.
Mbombo announced that she will stand for either the position of Deputy Federal Chair or Deputy Chair of the Federal Council.
Her announcement comes just days after Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed that he has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next federal leader of the DA.
If elected at the party’s upcoming congress in April, Hill-Lewis would become the youngest federal leader in the DA’s history a factor his backers say signals generational renewal within the party.
Hill-Lewis’s candidacy follows the decision by current DA leader John Steenhuisen not to stand for re-election. In announcing his bid, Hill-Lewis thanked Steenhuisen for stabilising and strengthening the party, saying the DA was in a better position because of his leadership.
At the same time, he said the moment called for growth and a deeper connection with voters across the country.
“If we are going to build a stronger South Africa,” he told supporters, “we must have a stronger Democratic Alliance.”
The DA constituency at Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis' special announcement last week
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
In confirming her own candidacy, Mbombo said her decision is rooted in what she believes the party and the country currently needs from its leadership.
“The DA, and subsequently South Africa, needs leaders that should unite voices, build the country for futures. An all-rounder, multi-skilled, ethical leadership for people, with people, will take the party and country forward,” she said.
She added: “Tested and proven, I have receipts.”
Mbombo brings more than a decade of political leadership experience within both the party and government structures.
Within the DA, she previously contested and was elected as the party’s first elected national leader of the DA Women’s Network (DAWN), serving from 2018 to 2021. She resigned during her extended interim year, citing the demands of managing the Covid-19 pandemic while serving as Western Cape MEC for Health.
During her tenure in DAWN leadership, she served across several national decision-making structures, including FEDEX, FEDCO and Team NPE 2019. Under her leadership, DAWN developed the party’s sexual harassment policy and its Gender-Based Violence and Femicide strategic framework, both approved by the Federal Council.
Mbombo has been active in electoral leadership roles since joining politics in 2014. She served as political head across five constituencies: Khayelitsha/Philippi, Gugulethu/Nyanga, DAWN/DAY/DASO, Atlantis/Table View, and George. In those capacities, she led the 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2024 national and local government elections, as well as several by-elections.
She has previously contested the position of DA Federal Chair but was unsuccessful.
In government, Mbombo served as Western Cape MEC for Health from 2014 to 2024, overseeing the province’s health portfolio for a decade, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“My work speaks for itself,” she said.
Currently, she serves as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, a position she has held since June 2024. Among her recent highlights, she cites leadership roles in women MPs and MPL platforms across Africa and internationally.
Her broader leadership profile extends beyond party politics. Mbombo serves as an international volunteer observer for national elections in democratic societies around the world. She remains active in academia and in various civil society platforms.
Mbombo’s declaration also comes amid a steadily expanding list of contenders across several key leadership positions within the party, with a number of younger leaders signalling their intention to compete.
Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube is also in the running for a senior role at the DA
Image: GCIS
In the race for Federal Chairperson, Gauteng DA Leader and former Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga has formally entered the contest, positioning his campaign around strengthening the party’s foothold in Gauteng.
For the position of Federal Council Chairperson, currently held by Helen Zille, Deputy Finance Minister and Deputy Federal Council Chair Ashor Sarupen is widely viewed as a strong contender. DA Parliamentary House Chair Werner Horn has also indicated that he will contest the position.
The deputy leadership contests are also gaining momentum. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed on social media that she has accepted a nomination for Deputy Federal Chairperson.
“Yes it is true, I am running! Democrats, I am happy to announce that I have accepted the nomination for Deputy Federal Chairperson.
"The truth is simple: we need to be the largest party in South Africa in order to bring the change so desperately needed in our country.
"We must therefore elect leaders who will organise, build and expand our support in every province and every community. Only a growing DA can deliver a growing SA. I am ready to serve you as your number 1 Deputy Federal Chairperson!”
Meanwhile, DA National Spokesperson and MP Karabo Khakhau has entered the race for Deputy Federal Council Chair, with a focus on mobilising youth and women within the party.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi is seeking re-election to the same role, while Western Cape MEC Anroux Marais has also declared her candidacy.
The number of candidates stepping forward, particularly among a younger generation of leaders, has fuelled discussion about renewal, continuity and the direction the party will take after its April congress.
With multiple senior positions up for contest and a widening pool of candidates, the DA’s 2026 Federal Congress is shaping up to be one of the party’s most closely watched leadership gatherings in recent years.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za