Ashor Sarupen
Image: Supplied
ASHOR Sarupen, at just 37, has been elected chairperson of the DA Federal Council, stepping into a pivotal role that could reshape South African politics.
With a focus on governance and upcoming elections, Sarupen aims to restore faith in local government.
On Sunday he was elected chairperson of the DA's Federal Council, a key leadership position he assumed following the party's Federal Congress 2026 held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
This role sees him step into the shoes of former leader Helen Zille, marking a pivotal moment in his political career. The Federal Council is considered the party's engine room.
"As chairperson, my job is to ensure that our structures function effectively, that decisions are implemented, and that the organisation is geared for growth and delivery," he said.
Born in Pietermaritzburg, Sarupen's rapid political ascent stems from his dedication and strategic vision - qualities he brings to his dual responsibilities.
As one of the two deputy ministers of finance, alongside David Masondo, he oversees crucial economic reforms and advocates for fiscal sustainability.
As Federal Council Chairperson, he will focus on building an organisation capable of winning the elections and governing effectively.
Sarupen said both roles aligned with improving governance and strengthening institutions.
With a keen focus on the upcoming Local Government Elections, Sarupen said the DA’s priorities were to "win where we govern and grow where we don’t".
"For the Local Government Elections, the focus is on rescuing municipalities, restoring basic services, and showing that a clean, capable government improves people’s daily lives."
He said that when residents stopped voting, it often entrenched the very problems they are frustrated with.
"Low turnout reduces accountability and allows failing governments to continue without consequence. Communities in places like Phoenix and Chatsworth deserve reliable water, functioning infrastructure, and responsive local government. Unfortunately the municipality is run by a coalition of corruption under the ANC and their partners."
Sarupen said a coalition government required cooperation, but it does not require compromise on principle.
"The DA’s role in the Government of National Unity is to ensure that the government is guided by accountability, fiscal responsibility, clean governance, and economic growth. Where we disagree, we engage constructively but firmly."
Sarupen attended Wits University where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree, before entering politics as a research analyst for the DA in Gauteng.
He subsequently acquired a BSC Honours (Wits), MBA (Wits) and an MPhil in Corporate Strategy at the University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). His MBA research focused on business models for the Internet of Things, and his MPhil research was into the impact of anti-globalisation on the South African economy.
Sarupen was elected to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council in 2011 and served as the Chief Whip of the Official Opposition in the Council at the age of 22. He served on the council Rules, Ethics and Public Accounts committees.
In 2014, he was appointed as the election strategist for the DA’s Gauteng election campaign.
He thereafter served as a member of the Gauteng Legislature between 2014 and 2019, representing the DA on the Finance, Economic Development, Social Development and Education committees.
From 2019, Sarupen served as a Member of Parliament and the DA’s Shadow Minister on the Appropriations Committee - which deals with the national budget.
Following his appointment as one of two deputy finance ministers, Sarupen said his goal was to help restore the various financial institutions.
“National Treasury is one of the better run departments in South Africa, but within it are Sars and other entities that were victims of state capture and have had to be rebuilt," he said at the time.
"Another one of my other goals is to make sure that we re-look at how local government is financed. There are too many municipalities in financial disarray and it means, for example, people are going without water for days or weeks. Local governments need a new financial model."
The results of the DA's Leadership Elections were as follows: the Federal Leader is Geordin Hill-Lewis and the Federal Chairperson, Solly Msimanga. The Deputy Federal Chairpersons are Siviwe Gwarube, Cilliers Brink and Solly Malatsi.