--- title: "From Zille to Zoid — DA Federal Congress 2026 kicks off" description: "The DA’s 2026 Federal Congress at Gallagher Convention Centre on Saturday, 11 April. Members elect new leadership, deliberate on key policy issues, and chart the party’s direction." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "IN PICTURES" author: "Felix Dlangamandla" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/felix-dlangamandla/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-04-11-from-zille-to-zoid-da-federal-congress-2026-kicks-off/" published: "2026-04-11T15:59:09" updated: "2026-04-11T16:01:55" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 321 --- # From Zille to Zoid — DA Federal Congress 2026 kicks off > The DA’s 2026 Federal Congress at Gallagher Convention Centre on Saturday, 11 April. Members elect new leadership, deliberate on key policy issues, and chart the party’s direction. By Felix Dlangamandla · Published 11 April 2026, 17:59 SAST · Updated 11 April 2026, 18:01 SAST ## Key points - The Democratic Alliance (DA) kick-started its 2026 Federal Congress on April 11 at Johannesburg's Gallagher Convention Centre, where pivotal leadership and policy decisions are set to unfold. - Members are gearing up to elect new leadership and engage in critical discussions that will shape the party's strategy for the forthcoming elections. - This congress is a crucial moment for the DA as it seeks to redefine its direction in a changing political landscape. - Anticipation builds around the outcomes that could influence South Africa's political future and the DA's role in it. ## Content ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/yXszyT30nXyXDv1x5l1vdzzt4XY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8503_261114.jpg) *Delegates at Gallagher Convention Centre during the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026 on Saturday, 11 April, where members meet to elect new leadership and set the party’s policy direction. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-MImqVTUorNYULzEJOfxTjSFiVE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8883_405507.jpg) *A brass band entertains delegates. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/4yqsGo5ThncuTzaUGdD7vdtzmgE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8467_185551.jpg) *DA delegates. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/vjCpU1PN2uKOqVJQy6YFOPZEWzM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8914_717369.jpg) *Delegates gather. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8Dju0imyqnsfd7Y3QO3IjMqYGuc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8528_687580.jpg) *Karen Zoid performs at Gallagher Convention Centre during the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/3LGhrYKICmZhBh9AmZmJx_HUrgk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8491_860654.jpg) *Vusi Nova performs during the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/YCo3IpFwUHRj4FqQIF8KBkot5uw=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8562_717787.jpg) *uMngeni Mayor Christopher Pappas addresses delegates during the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/YJdBmYtnb8H_gGV7XJPcOM40WCE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8878_369359.jpg) *Federal leader candidate Geordin Hill-Lewis. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Dpq6Bn3SEEl1zR3TUCJnUHcuvPM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8965_464842.jpg) *DA federal chairperson Ivan Meyer, who is running for another term, poses for a selfie with a delegate. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jHDQVti3wIhoHFPNAI_c0rdnOhk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8982_667990.jpg) *Haniff Hoosen, the DA’s mayoral candidate for eThekwini, at Gallagher Convention Centre. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/waQ1UvkppIgemOY89q1IpbQxIqo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8995_297540.jpg) *Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber addresses delegates at the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/xVW8_rrFOXhgnu5un-Hq4A-DaDE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_9004_850093.jpg) *Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/xK3oQxVZvDI8gyWvKdSyaoSySqo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8959_276560.jpg) *Delegates stand for the singing of the national anthem. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* [Read more ‘Big blue machine on the ground’ — DA looks to topple ANC in 2029 April 11, 2026 ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/04KhkWvWgC7Xn-2gMKwjT-SOIXY=/450x0/smart/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8642_575185.jpg)](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-04-11-big-blue-machine-on-the-ground-da-looks-to-topple-anc-in-2029/) ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Te2dS_jyfcRc0W8m6zaIWNs08vA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8629_440225.jpg) *John Steenhuisen addresses delegates. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/gU7pNPGUHOZjC2g0qhSgjuXE-QM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_9132_336540.jpg) *John Steenhuisen bids farewell to the Democratic Alliance during a formal address, marking an emotional moment as party members reflect on his leadership and contribution. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/IR_Hmja-ObIFnxLewdxrVAKXrC4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8632_699240.jpg) *Terry Steenhuisen, John Steenhuisen’s wife, and their children, during his address at the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ST6IuZMzo0DXjoFU6UVkU_OtegY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8654_757681.jpg) *Terry Steenhuisen and her children share a light moment with a delegate. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/oPAp1it4-BlZveAUPdx3HIbU30M=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8666_263811.jpg) *A performance on stage during the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/RNVqsAYxSznkLDElNB5QZDk4-QA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_9042_537744.jpg) *Delegates hold up voting cards during proceedings at the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026 at Gallagher Convention Centre, taking part in key decisions on leadership and policy. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)* ![Felix-FederalCongress](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/lCgR5AT1pIgrGxTc_WWbtOrA1tU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_9033_338771.jpg) *The Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*