Major Leadership Shift in South Africa's Democratic Alliance

Thu Feb 05 2026 00:18:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

John Steenhuisen announces his decision to step down as the leader of the Democratic Alliance, potentially impacting the coalition government with the ANC.

John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance, announced he will not seek re-election this April. His decision comes amidst controversies and challenges regarding his role in the coalition government with the ANC. Steenhuisen, who has led the DA since 2019, will now focus on managing the country's severe agricultural crisis, particularly a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting livestock.

South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has announced he will not seek re-election as the party's leader in April, a decision that could impact the stability of the coalition government with the African National Congress (ANC).

The DA, South Africa's second largest party, joined forces with its traditional rival, the ANC, to form a coalition after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority in 2024.

Since taking the helm of the pro-business DA in 2019, Steenhuisen has worked as the agriculture minister in the government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. His upcoming departure comes amidst reports of controversies including internal party disputes and criticism over his handling of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting the country’s livestock.

At a press conference, Steenhuisen expressed his commitment to focusing on combating the devastating agricultural crisis during the remainder of his term as minister: “I will focus all of my time and energy... on defeating the most devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak our country has ever seen.”

Steenhuisen, who started his political journey at just 22 years old in the council of Durban, was initially expected to run for another term. However, a fallout with a senior DA figure and previous allegations regarding his party credit card usage have influenced his decision not to seek re-election.

While the DA’s leadership landscape remains uncertain, Cape Town's Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has been mentioned as a potential successor, although he insists he will not run against his close friend Steenhuisen.

This significant transition within the DA leadership raises questions about the future dynamics of South Africa's coalition government, which has experienced its fair share of challenges since its inception.