Geordin Hill-Lewis

Geordin Gwyn Hill-Lewis (born 31 December 1986) is a South African politician. He became the Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance in April 2026 and has been the Mayor of Cape Town since November 2021.

Hill-Lewis was born in Plettenberg Bay and went to Edgemead High School in Cape Town. He studied at the University of Cape Town, earning an Honours degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. He also has a Master's degree in Finance from the University of London.

Before becoming mayor, Hill-Lewis worked in the National Assembly of South Africa for over ten years, from August 2011 to November 2021. During this time, he had many important roles, helping with public service, trade, industry, and finance.

In November 2023, Hill-Lewis became the deputy leader of the Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape. In February 2026, he decided to run to be the party's federal leader. He was elected on 12 April 2026 at the party's Federal Congress.

Early life and education

Geordin Hill-Lewis was born on 31 December 1986 in Plettenberg Bay. He grew up in Cape Town after his parents divorced. His mother, a nurse, raised him. His father was an artist. He went to Edgemead High School. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree and an honours degree in politics, philosophy and economics from the University of Cape Town. He also completed a master's degree in economic policy at the University of London.

Early political career

Geordin Hill-Lewis began his journey in politics during his high school years. While studying at the University of Cape Town, he formed a group named the Democratic Alliance Students' Organisation. He also served as a key assistant in the office of Helen Zille, a former leader of the Western Cape.

Parliamentary career (2011–2021)

In August 2011, Geordin Hill-Lewis joined the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, to replace someone who left. He was very young, only twenty-four years old, when he started, making him the youngest member of parliament since 1994. He helped to watch over public services.

Later, he took on more work with leaders of his political party. After elections in 2014, another young member joined parliament, but Hill-Lewis kept working in important jobs. He stayed in these jobs until he began working for the city government of Cape Town in November 2021.

Mayor of Cape Town (2021–present)

On April 1, 2021, Geordin Hill-Lewis said he wanted to be the next mayor of Cape Town. His party, the Democratic Alliance, chose him after a contest with two other people. He began his campaign in August and talked about plans to improve electricity and housing in the city.

Hill-Lewis became mayor on November 18, 2021, after winning a vote in the city council. He was 34 years old, which made him one of the youngest mayors in Cape Town's history. In his first days as mayor, he visited areas with sewage problems. He also made a new team to help lead the city and worked on making Cape Town a better place for everyone.

Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance: 2026–present

In February 2026, Geordin Hill-Lewis said he wanted to be the leader of the Democratic Alliance. The current leader, John Steenhuisen, decided not to run again so Hill-Lewis could try.

Hill-Lewis promised to keep his party working with the government. He also said he would stay as the Mayor of Cape Town and not move to the National Assembly. He thinks his work as mayor is important for people.

On April 12, 2026, Hill-Lewis became the new leader of the Democratic Alliance.

Personal life

Geordin Hill-Lewis is married to Carla Hill-Lewis. She used to work as a fashion designer. They have one child, born in August 2015. They live in Edgemead, a neighborhood in the northern part of Cape Town. Geordin is a big fan of rugby union.