DA MP in Geordin Hill-Lewis ‘racial snub’ video: ‘There is no crisis’
· The South African
The Democratic Alliance (DA) MP seen in a viral video seemingly being “snubbed” by new federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has set the record straight on social media commentary.
Over the weekend, the Cape Town mayor was named as the successor to John Steenhuisen.
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DA MP SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON GEORDIN HILL-LEWIS VIDEO
On the X platform, a video of Geordin Hill-Lewis being congratulated by fellow DA MPs over his new position as federal leader has gone viral for all the wrong reasons.
In the clip, the 39-year-old walks out onto the podium as he shakes hands and embraces fellow party members. The clip has sparked a racial debate as social media users have claimed that Hill-Lewis did not do the same to a black MP, who was in close proximity to him.
“Do you see what I see?” author and political commentator Kim Heller posted.
Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls reposted the video, adding: “You can’t fake this”.
The man, seemingly being “snubbed” – Luyolo Mphithi – responded to the social media commentary via his X account.
He tweeted: “As the guy in this video – I want to clear something up. I was standing far back and not in close proximity to Geordin [Hill-Lewis]. He did not skip me. I was not in close range for him to shake my hand. There is no crisis here. Let’s move on”.
Mphithi called out the PA for being “opportunistic” in trying to leverage criticism against its opposition.
As the guy in this video – I want to clear something up. I was standing far back and not in close proximity to Geordin. He did not skip me I was not in close range for him to shake my hand. There is no crisis here. Let’s move on. https://t.co/L9pe1FPIwm
— Luyolo Mphithi MP (@LuyoloMphithi) April 13, 2026
Sauls responded to Mphithi: “Now I feel more sorry for you 💔😞🙆🏾♂️because it’s even more clearer that you are still and will always be ‘much further at the back than where he was’ and currently is.
He added: “We all know why you stopped smiling in the video, my dear brother”.
New DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.Images via Facebook
‘WE ARE THE MOST DIVERSE PARTY’
During the DA’s two-day federal congress at Gallagher Estate last week, DA MP Cilliers Brink – appointed deputy federal chair – shut down criticism that the party did not advance its non-white members.
In a clip posted on his X account, he said, “I think we’ve got some amazing black leaders that have come through. I put myself next to many of those leaders who are in line to take the baton from the older generation.
“Look at Solly Msimanga… Solly Malatsi…Siviwe Gwarube…Jane Sithole, and so many others”.
Brink captioned the clip: “We are the most diverse party in South Africa, and the leadership at #DAcongress2026 proves it. Do not believe the propaganda. Go and look at the facts for yourself”.
🚫 The lie that the DA does not promote black leaders is simply not true.
— Cilliers Brink (@CilliersB) April 11, 2026
We are the most diverse party in South Africa, and the leadership at #DAcongress2026 proves it.
Do not believe the propaganda. Go and look at the facts for yourself. pic.twitter.com/S9eZC0bsuK
During his acceptance speech, Geordin Hill-Lewis praised Mmusi Maimane – the party’s first black leader, who served from 2015 to 2019.
He said: “Mmusi had an ability to connect with South Africans from every background and every community. He reminded all of us that a political movement must remain rooted in the lives and experiences of the people it seeks to serve.
“Mmusi brought a new voice, a new energy and new ambition to our party. That chapter remains an important part of the DA’s journey.”
NON-WHITE DA MP’s WHO JUMPED SHIP
Over the years, several non-white DA MPs have left the party to join others, due to internal issues.
They included Liam Jacobs (now PA), Mmusi Maimane (BOSA), Herman Mashaba (Action SA), and Patricia de Lille (GOOD Party).
Phumzille van Damme and Lindiwe Mazibuko left both the party and politics altogether.