The Democratic Alliance has announced 11 mayoral candidates for municipalities in the Western Cape ahead of the upcoming local government elections. One name was missing from the list though: Cape Town Mayor and newly elected DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Hill-Lewis Still in DA Vetting Process
Hill-Lewis said he is still going through the party’s internal screening and vetting process, which determines whether members can be fielded as potential mayors.
Speaking during the announcement, he described the process as rigorous and fair. He also made it clear that he still values his current role highly, calling the mayor’s office one of the most direct ways to address residents’ daily concerns.
His absence from the list stood out because of his high profile in both Cape Town and the party. But the DA says the vetting process applies across the board.
DA Names 11 Candidates in Western Cape
The party’s full list includes candidates for Bitou, Bergrivier, Cape Agulhas, Drakenstein, Garden Route District, George, Matzikama, Overstrand, Swartland, Stellenbosch and Witzenberg.
The nominees are Jessica Kamkam, Mario Wessels, Raymond Ross, Stephen Korabie, Marais Kruger, Browen Johnson, Richard van Huyssteen, Clinton Lerm, Harold Cleophas, Jeremy Fasser and Trevor Abrahams.
According to the party, all 11 candidates were selected in municipalities already run by the DA. The aim, it said, is to maintain continuity in government ahead of the elections.
Male-Dominated Candidate List Draws Attention
The announcement also raised questions about representation. Of the 11 candidates announced, only one is a woman.
That gender imbalance was noticeable as the DA presented the group as the team it wants voters to back in the province over the next few months.
DA Says Local Government is Where Service Delivery Counts
DA federal chair Solly Msimanga said municipalities are key to economic growth and national stability. He said the party wanted to present candidates early so the public could scrutinise them before voting day.
Western Cape DA leader Tertuis Simmers said local government is where politics becomes personal. He pointed to basics such as roads, water, streetlights, refuse collection and safety as the issues that shape people’s daily lives.
With campaigning now ramping up, the DA is positioning its Western Cape local government record as a central part of its election message.
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