The Democratic Alliance (DA) is the official opposition and the second-largest political party in South Africa. Whilst the DA’s origin dates as far back as 1959 when Helen Suzman’s Progressive Party was formed to oppose apartheid head-on, the Party as we know it today was formed on 24 June 2000. Since its formation, the DA has grown substantially – from an opposition party to a party of government
. The Party runs a tight ship in municipal and provincial governments across the country; and it is the watchdog of democracy, ceaselessly holding those in power to account in Parliament and through the courts. Currently, millions of South Africans experience some form of DA governance! In addition to the Western Cape Province, the DA currently governs in over 25 municipalities, including South Africa’s legislative capital of Cape Town. The DA strives to be a home for all South Africans – working every day to protect your right to earn a living, love who you want, say what you believe, develop your talents, and pursue your dreams!