Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) announces the successful conclusion of the national elective congress of the DA Students Organisation (DASO), held on 02 August 2025.
The congress, the first in three years, brought together student delegates from higher education institutions across South Africa.
Following the electoral process, the DA congratulates the following on their election:
- DASO Federal Leader: Gilbert Monnanyana (Tshwane University of Technology
- DASO Federal Chairperson: Andrea Martinez (Stellenbosch University)
- Four DASO Deputy Federal Chairpersons, are also elected unopposed:
- Administration: Lizwe Mneno (University of the Western Cape)
- Training and Development: Ronaldo Booysen (Stellenbosch University)
- Recruitment and Campaigns: Kuhle Lalapi (University of South Africa)
- Media and Publicity: Hannah Dyers (University of Cape Town)
The newly elected leadership will serve a three-year term, and the DA wishes them well.
They are tasked with strengthening DASO’s presence on campuses, advancing student issues, and ensuring that the DA’s values of freedom, fairness, opportunity and diversity remain central to the student agenda.
I served as congress convenor and oversaw the Congress as the DA’s Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council.
The DA congratulates all successful candidates and thanks outgoing DASO leaders for their service and dedication.
Regards
Dr Annelie Lotriet MP
Convenor of DASO Federal Congress