Geordin Hill-Lewis, 39, is seeking a second term as mayor of Cape Town, pledging to build a city that is “safer, cleaner, and more affordable.” Hill-Lewis stated he is "humbled and excited and full of joy," adding, "I have loved every minute of this job, and you know what, I want to keep doing it. I ask the people of Cape Town for a renewed mandate for me, but [also] a renewed mandate for the DA. A mandate to take Cape Town forward for everyone, because our city belongs to all." He emphasized that his proposals are "pledges that you can hold us to," built on the DA's track record, rather than mere claims or promises. "We refuse to accept that crime is just a permanent part of our life," Hill-Lewis said, asserting that his plan “will help ensure that criminals do not just get arrested, but actually go to jail.” He noted that Cape Town "created more jobs than any other city in South Africa, 480,000 new jobs in four and a half years," during his first term.
Election Campaign Launch
The Democratic Alliance (DA) formally announced Geordin Hill-Lewis as its mayoral candidate for the City of Cape Town on Saturday, June 13. This announcement sets the stage for his bid for a second term leading the metropolitan municipality.
The DA secured a significant majority in Cape Town during the 2021 local government elections, winning 58.3% of the vote. In comparison, the African National Congress (ANC) drew 18.6% of the vote, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 4.1%. The upcoming election will determine if the DA can maintain its strong electoral performance in the city.
Key Policy Pledges
Geordin Hill-Lewis outlined specific infrastructure improvements as part of his re-election campaign. He pledged to replace 100 kilometers of fresh water pipe and an additional 100 kilometers of sewer pipe annually for the next five years. These upgrades are intended to improve service delivery and address aging infrastructure within the city. The commitment forms a key component of his broader vision for Cape Town, aiming to ensure foundational services are strong and reliable for residents. These planned replacements are part of a continuous effort to modernize the city's utility networks, which are critical for public health and urban development. Hill-Lewis's focus on tangible infrastructure projects aims to provide residents with concrete improvements if he secures a second term in office. The initiative seeks to proactively tackle potential issues related to water supply and sanitation, reflecting a priority on essential municipal services.
Context and Registration
South Africa will hold its next municipal elections on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, when residents will cast their votes for local government leaders. The first in-person voter registration weekend is scheduled for Saturday, 20 June, and Sunday, 21 June, with registration points open from 8am to 5pm on both days. This registration period allows eligible citizens to ensure their details are accurate ahead of the upcoming municipal polls. During its first term, the City of Cape Town reported the creation of 480,000 new jobs over a four-and-a-half-year period. This economic growth figure will likely be a key talking point for the incumbent administration as the election cycle progresses.
