The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has elected a new provincial leadership team at its congress held on Saturday, 14 February in Sabie, as the party prepares for the crucial 2026 Local Government Elections.
At the congress, delegates reaffirmed the party’s internal democratic processes and selected leaders who will steer the DA’s provincial campaign over the coming months.
DA MPUMALANGA ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP
The leadership slate includes:
- Provincial Leader: Jane Sithole
- Deputy Provincial Leader: Trudie Grove-Morgan
- Provincial Chairperson: Bosman Grobler
- Deputy Provincial Chairperson: Thapedi Mokoala
- Provincial Finance Chairperson: Joseph Sibanyoni
Sithole, who was re-elected unopposed as provincial leader, has been a central figure in the DA’s growth strategy in Mpumalanga and serves as Deputy Minister of Small Business Development. Her uncontested return reflects strong internal support and continuity ahead of the local election contest.
STRENGTHENING THE PARTY’S POSITION
The appointment of the new leadership comes at a time when the DA is seeking to build on recent electoral gains in the province. In October 2025, the party won a by-election in Ward 26 of the eMalahleni Local Municipality, marking a rare victory over the African National Congress (ANC) in a traditional stronghold and signalling potential voter shifts ahead of 2026.
DA leader John Steenhuisen, who recently announced he will step down as federal leader, attended the congress and has emphasised the importance of strong provincial structures as part of the party’s broader strategy to increase local government representation.
In remarks at the event, Steenhuisen highlighted the DA’s commitment to providing credible alternatives to the ANC in provinces such as Mpumalanga, where service delivery challenges remain high.
OUTLOOK FOR THE DA MPUMALANGA AHEAD OF LOCAL ELECTIONS
Political analysts say the new leadership will be tasked with expanding the DA’s reach into municipalities that have long been dominated by the ANC and other parties.
With the local government elections scheduled for later this year, the provincial leadership, under Sithole’s guidance, said it will focus on grassroots campaigning, voter engagement, and positioning the DA as a provider of better basic services.