More than 2,000 delegates from across South Africa are expected to gather for what the party describes as its largest congress to date. The key item on the agenda is the election of new federal leadership, including the positions of Federal Leader and Federal Chairperson.

Incumbent leader John Steenhuisen is not seeking re-election. Among the frontrunners for Federal Leader are Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sedibeng councillor Sibusiso Dyonase. The congress will also elect a new Federal Chairperson, with contenders including Western Cape MEC Ivan Meyer and Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga.

The gathering comes just months ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 2026. Delegates are expected to debate and finalize policy positions as the DA positions itself within the Government of National Unity while preparing its campaign strategy for the polls.

The event is being closely watched as a signal of the party’s direction in the lead-up to the municipal vote. Proceedings continue on Sunday.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post DA Kicks Off Largest-Ever Federal Congress in Midrand appeared first on MDNtv.

Hill-Lewis secured victory over Sedibeng Municipality caucus leader Sibusiso Dyonase on the second day of the party’s Federal Congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand . He takes over from John Steenhuisen, who led the party for six years and guided it into the national Government of National Unity (GNU) following the hung parliament of the 2024 general elections .

“I am not satisfied with being a junior partner in a government of national unity,” Hill-Lewis told delegates in his acceptance speech. “Our ambition must be to lead the national government” .

The 39-year-old laid out a four-point strategy to achieve this: governing competently, deepening community presence, acting as a principled coalition partner, and leading with optimism.

His top national priority was unambiguous: crime. “Bringing law and order to South Africa must be our top priority. Not one priority among many. The priority,” he said, describing a country where criminals currently act with impunity .

Hill-Lewis paid tribute to his predecessors, particularly Tony Leon and Helen Zille, for building the party from a small opposition into a governing force at local and provincial levels . He also thanked Steenhuisen for “preparing the DA for a new era in South African politics: the era of national coalitions” .

The congress also elected former Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga as the new Federal Chairperson, with Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Communications Minister Solly Malatsi elected as his deputies .

With local government elections expected between November 2026 and January 2027, Hill-Lewis set an immediate target: winning multiple major metros including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, and eThekwini .

“The DA must be that movement,” he concluded. “Now we must build the biggest party in South Africa, a party that is strong enough to win” .

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Hill-Lewis Elected DA Leader, Vows to Become “Largest Party” and Lead National Government appeared first on MDNtv.

This group comprised with government ministers and deputy ministers, MPs, directors-general, the president of SALGA, political party leaders, traditional leaders, NGOs, civic groups, and everyday citizens. Among them were representatives from the Progressive Forces of South Africa, including President Mthetho Ngcukayithobi, Deputy President Thabiso Makwela, National Strategist Bonang Sepoloane, and Secretary Lebogang Shovhote who also spoke as a concerned resident of Midrand.

A standout attendee was Melisizwe Mayibuye Mandela, great-grandson of Nelson Mandela and the newly appointed Gauteng spokesperson for King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the AbaThembu Royal House.

But what started as a promising dialogue quickly turned sour. Many participants left deeply frustrated, feeling the draft white paper still needs massive work to truly reflect the voices and realities of South Africans.

The biggest flashpoint came early: Minister Hlabisa delivered welcoming remarks but then left the venue shortly afterwards. This sparked sharp criticism, with Melisizwe Mandela openly accusing the process of showing disrespect. He pointed out the irony of inviting the public to consult, only for key government figures to miss the real discussions.

Bonang Sepoloane didn’t hold back either, arguing that the draft white paper confirms a long-standing lack of respect from government toward traditional leadership.

Lebogang Shovhote was equally blunt. She slammed the document for being available only in English, calling it an “appalling” barrier for indigenous traditional leaders who are forced to debate laws in a language once tied to oppression. She pushed hard for depoliticising councillor roles, cutting political meddling in municipal jobs, and tackling illegal immigration. As a Midrand local, she also spotlighted the area’s ongoing water supply headaches, a problem that resonated with many others in the room.

Tensions boiled over again when Fatima Abdool from the United Independent Movement challenged the programme director on fair speaking time. After a heated back-and-forth, she got the floor and powerfully highlighted how coloured communities in places like Eersterus, Noordgesig, and Eldorado Park continue to feel sidelined in local governance decisions.

The Gauteng water crisis came up repeatedly, with speaker after speaker echoing the same urgent concerns about failing service delivery.

By the end, the message from the floor was unmistakable: this draft needs to be fundamentally reworked. Participants demanded far more genuine, inclusive engagement moving forward,  real listening, not just box-ticking consultations.

The consultation laid bare deep frustrations with local government reform efforts. While the goal of making every municipality work remains widely shared, yesterday’s gathering showed there’s still a long road ahead to build trust and get the policy right.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Stakeholders Slam Draft Local Governance White Paper at Tense Consultation – Call for Major Overhaul and Real Engagement appeared first on MDNtv.

The “Tshwala” producer’s main door was hacked and an attempt at a fire was made. Door handles and and outside home appliances were damaged in the process. According to a close friend, living in the same areas, Airburn Sounds returned to his home in the early hours of Saturdays morning from “Crazy Fridays” an event hosted every Friday by Amapiano star Leemckrazy to find the property had been damaged.

“The front door does not open as we speak But luckily the person was unable to gain entry into the house. Imagine what would have happened had they been able to gain access into the studio,” the source said.

“The damage will set him back a it but as longas no one was harmed.”

Another source said the DJ’s “wanna-be lousy nyatsi” tried to gain access into the home.

“She has been stalking him for weeks. I think maybe they had something – but he called her a lousy girl looking for his attention, and he was not interested.”

When contacted by MDN News, Airburn sounded confused.

“I don’t know, maybe someone wanted to steal the music. I don’t know.”

When asked about a potential girl being responsible he said he was unaware.

“I’m in a relationship. I don’t entertain all that drama. I’m just glad my studio is in tact.”

Airburn Sounds manager Thando Makalima from his label Airburn360 told MDN that she was “pretty sure of the culprit.”

“I can’t reveal her name as yet. We are in the process of opening a case of attempted house breaking at the Midrand Police station. She gained access into the premises, and did the damage. She needs to account and pay for it. There is no good enough reason to break into someone’s home.”

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post “Lousy” Nyatsi Tries To Break Into DJ’s Home  appeared first on MDNtv.

The Awards return as part of the A Night With Legends celebration

• Honouring icons across music, sport, arts, heritage, innovation, and community impact

• A Night With Legends 2025 unites generations in one unforgettable national celebration

Johannesburg – Monday 6 October 2025:

Bringing together South Africa’s cultural icons, sporting moments, and musical powerhouses for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration under the theme Generations United.

The stage is set for one of South Africa’s most anticipated cultural celebrations — A Night With Legends 2025: Generations United, returning to Vodacom World, Midrand, on Saturday, 1 November 2025.

This iconic event will once again bring together South Africa’s legends and rising stars for a day filled with music, sports, and national pride, anchored by the prestigious Legends Awards segment.

The Legends Awards — Celebrating South Africa’s Icons

The Legends Awards 2025 will honour South Africa’s greatest living legends whose work, creativity, and impact continue to shape the nation’s story.

Awards will be presented across ten categories:

• Music
• Sports
• Performing Arts
• Literature & Storytelling
• Heritage & Culture
• Innovation & Business
• Humanitarian & Social Impact
• Youth Inspiration
• Lifetime Achievement
• People’s Choice

These categories reflect the spirit of A Night With Legends, celebrating those who inspire unity, progress, and cultural excellence.

How to Nominate Your Legend

Nominations are now open to the public.

South Africans are encouraged to nominate individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their field — from community heroes and cultural icons to innovators, creatives, and social changemakers.

Send nominations to:

info@anightwithlegends.co.za

admin@anightwithlegends.co.za

awards@anightwithlegends.co.za

Deadline: All nominations close Tuesday, 15 October 2025 at midnight.

The Experience: A Full Day of Heritage, Music and Celebration

Live Match Screening (3PM)

The event begins with a live screening of the Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns match, broadcast on large screens to energise fans early in the day.

The Legends Awards Segment (5PM – 8PM)

Hosted in the main arena, the Legends Awards will take place before the concert celebration — offering audiences a meaningful and inspiring lead-up to the performances.

Concert Celebration (8PM – Late)

Following the awards, the night transforms into a world-class concert featuring South Africa’s most loved performers, including:

Somizi, Arthur Mafokate (celebrating 33 years in music), Kelly Khumalo, Vusi Nova, Nomfundo Moh, Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, Kamo Mphela, Focalistic, Jaziel Brothers, Lady Du, Chomee, DJ Cleo, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Dino Bravo, Professor, DJ Owami, DJ AJ, and more surprise acts.

A Night With Legends: Generations United

A Night With Legends 2025 is a multi-layered national celebration that blends heritage, sport, awards, and music into one unified cultural experience.

> “The Legends Awards form part of the larger A Night With Legends celebration — honouring the individuals who built our creative and cultural foundations, while connecting generations through music and unity,” said the organisers.

Tickets

Tickets for the full A Night With Legends 2025 experience are available now through:

Computicket:

https://computicket.com/event/a-night-with-legends-2025/22aca742-f902-4af3-8275-386f07e3fe1a

Webtickets:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1576256139

Connect and Share

Follow A Night With Legends for updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments:

X (Twitter): @NightWithLegend

Instagram: @anightwithlegends

Facebook: A Night With Legends

TikTok: @anightwithlegends

Like, share, and tag your friends to spread the celebration.

#ANightWithLegends #LegendsAwards

Media Enquiries and Nominations Contact

Lesego

grouppublicitysa@gmail.com

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Nominations Open for the 2025 Legends Awards — A Highlight of A Night With Legends: Generations United appeared first on MDNtv.