On Monday, 24 November, the Democratic Alliance convened its Policy Conference, bringing together DA Members of Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, Members of the Federal Executive, Councillors and branch members to refine and adopt the party’s next phase of policy proposals.
This policy conference affirmed four key features of the DA.
- The DA is the only party that delivers services for all. This is evident where we govern. The passing of the DA’s 2026 manifesto framework affirmed this.
- We celebrate the passage of new, exciting, modern, implementable policies, highlighting the fact that the DA is a vibrant party leading the charge in South Africa.
- The party is united in its goal of improving the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans. With the mandate of voters, we are ready to get municipalities where we do not currently govern working again.
- The people of South Africa are the centre of our policies. This is a core principle that underpins every decision we take as a party.
Where South Africans have placed their trust in the DA, they have unlocked clean governance, working services, and real opportunities. Consequently, we are committed to offering the country clear, credible and detailed plans that show exactly how a DA-led government will make life better for everyone.
Delegates approved and passed several policy offerings, including the DA’s Environment Policy, which outlines a sustainable plan to protect South Africa’s water, air, biodiversity, and natural resources while promoting environmental awareness and economic opportunities across society.
We tabled the DA’s Health Policy, which supports universal healthcare coverage that is affordable and sustainable. The ANC’s proposed NHI in its current form risks collapsing the health system and bankrupting the state. The DA’s alternative offers a workable, patient-centred path to universal coverage without jeopardising fiscal stability
In addition, the conference discussed the DA’s stance on illegal immigration and border management, highlighting the need for lawful, well-managed and humane immigration practice, supported by secure borders and efficient Home Affairs systems.
Delegates also considered the DA’s 2026 Manifesto framework. Focused on four primary themes, crime, corruption, jobs and basic service delivery, the Manifesto Framework sets out our blueprint for professional, accountable, financially disciplined municipalities that deliver services and restore functionality where governance has collapsed.
I want to thank the Federal Policy Unit for their outstanding work. Their rigorous research, drafting, and analysis underpin our credibility as a party of ideas and ensure that our policy offering remains unmatched.
I would also like to thank all delegates who contributed to the conference, bringing the voices of the voters they represent directly into the DA’s policy offering.
Where the DA governs, services are rendered, opportunities increase and lives improve.
With the increased mandate of voters, we will now extend good governance, freedom, fairness and opportunity across the country. We are united by purpose, prepared and ready as we head towards the upcoming local government elections, and beyond.
This raft of policies (based on core DA principles) illustrates how and why, together with South African voters, we can sort this out.