Cupcakes, sweets, stickers and music: Inside first day of DA federal congress

DA members are gathered at Gallagher Estate in Midrand for the party's federal congress.

Rosetta Msimango/News24

The first day of the DA’s federal congress got under way in Midrand on Saturday.Federal chairperson Ivan Meyer said the congress would focus on problems at the municipal level.“During times of uncertainty,we must return to values and our core principles,” he insisted.The DA will use its national congress to zero in on municipal issues in a bid to arrest what it characterises as South Africa’s descent into a failed state,according to federal chairperson Ivan Meyer.

He made this opening remark as the DA began its two-day elective congress at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Saturday,where a sea of blue delegates sang and danced inside and outside the venue.

The chilled sound of the music grew more upbeat as the morning progressed,with Vusi Nova and Karen Zoid performing.

Western Cape delegates paid tribute to the Kaapse Klopse culture by marching into the venue,playing the vibrant brass band sound.

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Luyolo Mphithi,Kwena Moloto,Angus McKenzie and other masters of ceremonies kept the 2 000 delegates entertained.

There were cupcakes with Siviwe Gwarube’s name written on them – she is vying for the deputy federal chairperson position. In the bathrooms,stickers with her face could also be seen.

As one walked into the venue,lively supporters of Solly Msimanga,who is contesting Meyer for the federal chair position,handed out stickers featuring his face.

The Cilliers Brink campaign team were handing out sweets and chips at a table.

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Delegates cheered when Geordin Hill-Lewis walked into the venue. He is considered a shoo-in replacement for outgoing leader John Steenhuisen.

The event’s programme comprises a constitutional amendment process and the election of a new leadership.

Cupcakes with Siviwe Gwarube's name displayed at the DA federal congress in Johannesburg.

Bongekile Macupe/News24

“This congress will put the puzzle together to fix municipalities,rescue our towns and cities. We will have serious in-depth discussions because the country is on the brink of becoming a failed state,” Meyer said.

“During times of uncertainty,we must return to values and our core principles.”

He recalled that the party was the official opposition just three years ago. However,it had now ascended to the national government.

Meyer said the DA would use the congress to provide feedback to delegates on the party’s performance in local,provincial and national government.

Cilliers Brink campaign table at the DA federal congress in Johannesburg.

Bongekile Macupe/News24

“As you will see,the DA is making a huge difference in the government of national unity.”

He said several towns across the country were without water or electricity.

“The year 2026 is a year of local elections. We must rescue our towns,and many municipalities have already collapsed,” Meyer added.

He said the congress came at a time when liberal democracy was “globally under attack”.

Meyer,who is also the convener of the congress,stated that everything about the event would show that the DA was a tier above its peers in professionalism.