The Context (For International Traders) The Democratic Alliance (DA) is South Africa’s second-largest political party (holding 21.8% of the vote) and the primary anchor of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Since the 2024 elections, the DA has transitioned from being the official opposition to a key governing partner alongside the ANC.

On 4 February 2026, the incumbent Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen, announced he would not seek re-election to focus on his role as the national Minister of Agriculture. This election will determine who leads the party into the 2026 Local Government Elections and who will represent the DA’s interests at the highest level of South African government.

The Power Structure The DA operates on a federal model. The Federal Leader is the political head and the party's candidate for President of South Africa. The election is decided by delegates representing branches from across all nine provinces at the Federal Congress.

Key Dates & Market Mechanics

• Nomination Window: Opened on 27 February 2026 and closed on 23 March 2026. Only two candidates for Federal Leader were nominated and selected. Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sibusiso Dyonase

• Congress Dates: The congress is taking place on 11th-12th April. This market will close at 08:00 AM SAST on Saturday, the 11th of April (the first day of the Congress).

• Resolution: This market resolves to the individual officially announced as the winner by the Congress Presiding Officer. Other will only be selected in the unlikely situation that nobody is confirmed as the new Chairperson a week after the conference.