Geordin Hill-Lewis, new DA leader, hugs Solly Msimanga, new federal chairman. (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
Solly Msimanga was elected as the DA’s federal chairman on Sunday. His three deputies, Siviwe Gwarube, Cilliers Brink and Solly Malatsi, were also elected during this party’s federal congress this weekend at the Gallagher convention center in Midrand.
Msimanga competed with Ivan Meyer, the incumbent chairman, for this position.
The new chairman of the federal council is Ashor Sarupen, with his three newly elected deputies JP Smith, Thomas Walters and Carl Pophaim also announced on Sunday afternoon.
Congressmen voted for these and other leadership positions Sunday morning. Organizers declared the elections free and fair.
Federal Chairman versus Chairman of the Federal Council
The chairman of the federal council plays a more practical role in the party’s day-to-day management than the federal chairman, who has a greater focus on strategy and leadership. The chairman of the federal council therefore has a stronger grip on the party’s day-to-day functioning, while the federal chairman exercises greater strategic guidance.
In terms of the DA’s constitution, the duties and powers of the federal chairman – Solly Msimanga since Sunday – include, among other things, the following:
- Chairman of the Federal Congress
- Stand in for the federal leader if he is absent or unavailable
- Responsible for coordinating and aligning party policy
The federal chairman serves in many ways as the potential deputy party leader in the absence of the party leader. Because the party’s constitution already provides for the de facto role fulfillment of a deputy leader, it could possibly contribute to the rejection of a constitutional amendment to also elect a deputy federal leader.
Msimanga’s three new deputies may, among other things, be responsible for:
- Support of provinces, in consultation with the provincial executive committees
- Fostering relationships with civil society organisations
- The party’s international relations
- Activist training and development
The chairman of the federal council – Ashor Sarupen since Sunday – is entrusted with the responsibility for the organization and administration of the party in order to maintain a high degree of efficiency in the party. To fulfill this task, the chairman of the federal council works closely with the federal leader, the federal chairman, the federal chairman of finance and the chief executive officer.
The new leadership of the DA (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
With this leadership turnover, the new office holders of the DA’s national leadership structure now look as follows:
Federal Leader: Geordin Hill-Lewis
Federal Chairman: Solly Msimanga
Deputy Federal Chairman 1: We heard Gwarube
Deputy Federal Chairman 2: Cilliers Brink
Deputy Federal Chairman 3: Solly Days
Chairman of the Federal Council: Ashor Sarupen
Deputy Chairman of the Federal Council 1: JP Smith
Deputy Chairman of the Federal Council 2: Thomas Walters
Deputy Chairman of the Federal Council 3: Carl Pophaim
Chairman of the Federal Finance Committee: Dr. Mark Burke