MP Ian Ollis will go head to head with Gauteng MPL John Moodey in what is expected to be a hotly contested battle in Pretoria.
Moodey has promised to target what he calls the "new voter market" leading to the 2014 general elections, while Ollis wants to strengthen the party's internal structures to make the DA a more effective party in the province.
The DA plans to unseat the ANC as the ruling party in Gauteng in the next general election. However, that goal seems out of reach, as it received only 21.86% of the votes in the province in 2009.
"Going to 2014, we need to focus on the new voter market. The best way to reach them is to embark on an outreach programme and conduct house-to-house visits. We need to find out what are the issues that they face, so that we can take them up with the relevant departments. By championing their issues, we show that we are serious about changing their lives for the better," said Moodey.
He said the party's presence in communities would go a long way to changing the perception that it represented the interests of only the minority. "People will have faith in the DA. They will realise that we do not come to them only when there are looming elections."
His opponent wants to improve internal communication and strengthen the DA's ability to reach its audience.
Ollis's campaign has targeted mostly the youth, using social networking websites. He has posted his campaign videos on YouTube. He also plans to set up a training academy for DA members in the province.
Like Moodey, Ollis wants the DA to be a serious contender in the next elections.
"We need to listen and respond to people's needs on the ground ... We must bring the political battleground to Gauteng."
The provincial leader is the face of the party and gives direction in policy matters.
Current leader Janet Sample will not stand for re-election.
Moodey, a former unionist, previously occupied this post, from 2007 to 2010.
Both candidates have a background in local government, having served as city councillors in Johannesburg.
A leader sympathetic to Moodey who asked not to be named told the Sunday Times that those opposed to Ollis were questioning his availability to serve the party, as he is also an MP.
But Ollis dismissed this concern, saying he still lived in Gauteng. "I fly to Cape Town three times a week. I live in Craighall Park, and my constituency is Alexandra and Sandton."
His candidacy has been publicly endorsed by MPs Mike Waters and Natasha Michael, as well as DA Gauteng youth leader Lebo More. Gauteng MPL Solly Nkhi has also pledged his support.
Moodey has the backing of MPs Ian Davidson and Dion George and other leaders in Gauteng.
More than 1000 party delegates will cast their votes. The two candidates have been crisscrossing the province to drum up support. They have participated in a number of debates that were closed to the public.
Meanwhile, current party provincial chairman Mike Moriarty faces a challenge for re-election from fellow MPL Dot Corrigan.
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