By 
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State will this Saturday hold its Elective Provincial Congress at the City Hall in Bloemfontein, where its new provincial leadership will be elected ahead of the local elections later this year.
The DA will on Saturday, 31 January 2026, elect its new leadership to lead them into the future; the congress will elect a new Chairperson for the province, who will succeed the current Chairperson Werner Horn, if not re-elected.
Moreover, the congress will bring together delegates from across the province who will be engaging on party matters in the province and its future direction. The new leadership will shape the future of the party and determine its influence across the province.
The DA has been the official opposition party in the Free State since 2014, following the national elections, removing the Congress of the People (COPE) as the official opposition with five seats in the Free State Provincial Legislature. Today, the DA boasts seven seats in the Provincial Legislatures.
Though it is the official opposition party in the province, the Democratic Alliance is yet to control or win a municipality outright. The calibre of leadership to be chosen is therefore crucial for the party; especial in sight of the upcoming local elections. They need leaders who can resonate with communities; who know the challenges of the people and can address service delivery issues in the Free State Province.
All eyes will be on the outcome of the elective congress, to see who will lead the party and if Dr Roy Jankielson who has served two terms already will make a return or not. Whether Horn will go unopposed or there will be candidates raising their hands for the position. Whether there will be any surprise elections, if any municipal Councillors will be elected to provincial positions.
