Geordin Hill-Lewis, newly elected federal leader of the DA. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
“Now we have to build the biggest party in South Africa – a party that is strong enough to win. This is the mandate you have given me today.”
This is what the newly elected Geordin Hill-Lewis said in his first speech as federal leader of the Democratic Alliance on Sunday afternoon.
“I don’t know about you, but I am not satisfied with being a junior partner in a government of national unity,” Hill-Lewis told the delegates who elected him.
“The question before me – before us – is about the next chapter in our party’s story.
“The question is not whether we can oppose or govern. The question is whether the DA can lead the country. Whether we can become the largest party in the national government.
“And, as your newly elected leader, my answer is a resounding “Yes! Yes, we can. This is the mission you assigned me: To grow the DA into the largest party in South Africa. And to lead a new national government.
“Everything I do as your leader will be aimed at completing that mission.”
Geordin Hill-Lewis, newly elected federal leader of the DA. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
DA must now do four things
“To win, we have to do four things,” Hill-Lewis told delegates.
“The first is this: We must continue to show that the DA governs well – for everyone. Where the DA governs, the basics work.
“And when we do the basic things well, it is the poor who benefit the most. Because getting the basic rights means that the economy grows and jobs are created,” said Hill-Lewis, also mayor of Cape Town.
“When the fire department answers your calls and really sends help when you need it.
“When the local clinic treats you with respect and gives you the care you deserve. When you have increasing access to the dignity of basic services. When your community is cleaner. These things make life better for everyone, and especially for the poor.
“For the past four years as mayor of Cape Town, I have worked hard every day to show that we govern well for everyone.”
The second thing we have to do to win: We have to go deeper connect with the millions of South Africans who have never voted for us before,” Hill-Lewis said on Sunday afternoon.
“Most people already know that the DA governs better. Now we have to win their trust so that they vote for us for the first time.
Geordin Hill-Lewis is the DA’s new leader. (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
“This is our responsibility. We must start by listening more carefully. We must not come up with the answer before we have heard the question. We must be more present in more communities. And I mean really present: standing with people, shoulder to shoulder, and helping them to solve their problems.
“I believe that if we work with focus and discipline, we can build a party that truly represents the hopes and aspirations of all South Africans. We all remember what our parents taught us: Respect is given, but trust is earned. Trust cannot be earned on TV screens or with social media content.
“We have to earn trust the old-fashioned way – community by community, street by street, conversation by conversation.
“The third thing we must do to win: Be a strong and principled partner in the national government.
“The DA did the right thing by stepping forward and accepting responsibility.
“The RNE exists because the alternative – a radical coalition of populism and destruction – would put our country in grave danger.
“But we must always remember that we are not in government for positions or titles.
“We are there to show the DA’s difference in word and deed.
“Under my leadership, the DA will fight every day to shape the direction of the government so that it reflects our values.
“And that is why we will continue to oppose policies in the government of national unity that block progress.
“We will show that it is possible to build a health system that better serves the poor, without taking anything away from those who have worked hard to afford medical care.
And the new federal leader is… (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media).
“We will oppose enrichment schemes that see the same politically connected elites make billions while millions of people remain poor. We know we can build a model of empowerment that delivers real progress for millions more families.
“And we will fight for the right of every South African to learn in their mother tongue, to own property without fear of expropriation, and to live in a country where government jobs are awarded to the best candidates and not by cadre deployment.
“Our goal is to see how people are lifted out of poverty. That’s why we’re here.”
“The fourth thing we have to do to win: Lead with faith in South Africa,” Hill-Lewis said on Sunday afternoon.
“It will require focus, discipline and hard work from us. We will get up earlier, walk further, work harder – because we know for sure that only our ideas and our values can make our country work for everyone.
“I accept this responsibility with humility, with gratitude and with a deep sense of duty.
“I stand before you as your newly elected leader with one promise: For however long I have the privilege of serving in this position, I will be dedicated to the mission of building a stronger South Africa for all.
“South Africa is worth it. We have a wonderful country. And we are wonderful people. We all love this country too much to see it fail.”
Geordin Hill-Lewis, newly elected federal leader of the DA. (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)