South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has said he will not seek re-election as the party's leader in April—a move that may threaten the stability of the coalition government. The DA, South Africa's second largest party, entered into a coalition with its arch rival the African National Congress in 2024 after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority. Steenhuisen took over leadership of the pro-business DA in 2019 and currently serves as agriculture minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa's government.
The 49-year-old was widely expected to run again but reportedly abandoned his bid due to several controversies, including a fallout with senior DA member Dion George and allegations relating to misuse of party funds, of which he was cleared in January.
"As the minister of agriculture, I will focus all my time and energy on defeating the most devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak our country has ever seen," Steenhuisen stated during a press conference.
Steenhuisen's political career began at 22 when he was elected to the council of Durban. He subsequently rose through the DA ranks to lead the party two decades later, securing a historic coalition with the ANC, which had previously dominated South African politics.
Despite no candidates announced yet for his successor, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is viewed as a potential contender. Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen maintain a close friendship, complicating any prospects of a competitive leadership race.
The 49-year-old was widely expected to run again but reportedly abandoned his bid due to several controversies, including a fallout with senior DA member Dion George and allegations relating to misuse of party funds, of which he was cleared in January.
"As the minister of agriculture, I will focus all my time and energy on defeating the most devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak our country has ever seen," Steenhuisen stated during a press conference.
Steenhuisen's political career began at 22 when he was elected to the council of Durban. He subsequently rose through the DA ranks to lead the party two decades later, securing a historic coalition with the ANC, which had previously dominated South African politics.
Despite no candidates announced yet for his successor, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is viewed as a potential contender. Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen maintain a close friendship, complicating any prospects of a competitive leadership race.
