Hill Lewis rejects government role if elected leader

By Palesa Matlala

• Geordin Hill Lewis says he would rather disagree with President Cyril Ramaphosa than take a position in the Government of National Unity.
• Hill Lewis is the only candidate for Democratic Alliance leader ahead of the party conference on 11 April in Midrand.

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill Lewis says he will not take a role in the Government of National Unity if he becomes leader of the Democratic Alliance.

Hill Lewis said he would rather keep his distance from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government than accept a position in it.

“I really do believe it might be healthier for the DA and country if I have some healthy distance from the government of national unity,” he said.

He said being outside government would allow him to speak openly when the party disagrees with decisions.

“I must stand firm and point out when the DA truly disagrees with something and be straightforward when we run a campaign against those things on which we strongly disagree,” he said.

Hill Lewis also made it clear that the president has full control over Cabinet decisions.

“The president is obviously the boss of the Cabinet. He not only makes firing and hiring decisions, but also ministers serve at his pleasure,” he said.

Adding that he doesn’t want to owe the president his loyalty for does he want the president to hold anything over his neck. “I want the freedom to say what I want to say and to speak out loudly about what we believe in,”.

The 39 year old is currently the only candidate in the race to lead the party. The election will take place at the Democratic Alliance federal congress on 11 April in Midrand, Johannesburg.

He is expected to take over from John Steenhuisen, who now serves as minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Hill Lewis said he plans to remain mayor of Cape Town if he is re-elected as party leader.

While there is no contest for the top position, competition is expected for federal chairperson.

Gauteng leader Solly Masimanga will face Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer for the role.

Image Caption: Geordin Hill Lewis pictured above

Image source: Supplied