Tony Leon endorses Geordin Hill-Lewis amid uncertainty over John Steenhuisen's future

FORMER Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon has expressed his views on whether Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis possesses the qualities needed to lead the party.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Leon was asked about Hill-Lewis, who has emerged as a potential successor to federal leader John Steenhuisen. 

Reports from Independent Media suggest that Steenhuisen is unlikely to contest the party’s leadership race in April, prompting attention to shift towards possible successors.

Steenhuisen held a press briefing in Durban on Wednesday, saying he would not be contesting the party's leadership race in April. 

Speaking ahead of Steenhuisen's announcement, Leon said, “I have known Geordin since he was a schoolboy and I rate his political talents, his actual human talents very highly. I think he is remarkable, and I am sure he would be a very effective leader of this party, in fact, of movements not just confined to the political arena. He has an unusual, I think very appropriate skills set.” 

“But every leader has to go and earn his support. Even if it's a coronation, you have to go and prove to people that you are worthy of the leadership mettle that you get. Whether you get it through an election or you get it unanimously, you have to work every day to say the faith put on me as a leader is being reciprocated,” he added

Leon noted that there has been significant speculation surrounding the party’s leadership ahead of the upcoming elective conference.

IOL previously reported that political analysts believe the leadership contest will determine whether the DA can establish itself as a credible alternative government rather than a permanent opposition. Currently, two names have surfaced as likely frontrunners: Gauteng opposition leader Solly Msimanga and Hill-Lewis.

Other potential candidates include Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE