It is my great privilege to welcome delegates, members of the diplomatic corps, public representatives, activists and guests from across South Africa to the Democratic Alliance’s Federal Congress 2026.

This is my last Federal Congress as leader. I leave confident that the party is stronger than ever before and that the next leader will take it to even greater heights with new energy and determination.

Federal Congress is the highest decision-making body of our party. It is where our members come together to elect our leadership, renew our vision, and chart the course for the future of both the Democratic Alliance and the country we serve. The strength of this gathering lies in the diversity of voices represented here: leaders and activists from cities, towns and rural communities across South Africa, united by a common belief that our country can work.

In 2024, we showed that the Democratic Alliance could be a force for good within national government. We have helped place the country on a more stable path towards sound financial management and better governance.

However, the task of fixing South Africa’s broken systems is far from over.

We must act with urgency to get our municipalities working again. The Democratic Alliance has a strong slate of mayoral candidates and provincial representatives for the 2026 Local Government Elections, demonstrating our commitment to restoring capable and accountable local government.

Where the DA governs, services are delivered and public money is managed responsibly. From the City of Cape Town to the municipality of Midvaal, we have shown that clean government and sound administration can transform communities.

As we deliberate in the days ahead, let us remember the purpose that unites us: together, we are building a future where South Africa works for all.