Ask Onix
Steenhuisen announces departure from DA leadership
John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA), will not seek re-election as party chief in April, raising concerns over the future of the country's governing coalition. The 49-year-old, who has led the DA since 2019, currently serves as agriculture minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa's administration.
Reasons behind the decision
Steenhuisen cited his commitment to combating South Africa's severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak as the primary reason for stepping aside. In a press conference, he stated his focus would remain on addressing the crisis, which has devastated the livestock industry across multiple provinces.
However, reports suggest his decision was influenced by internal party disputes, including a public fallout with former Environment Affairs Minister Dion George and allegations-later dismissed-of misusing party funds. Critics have also accused his ministry of mishandling the foot-and-mouth response, with farmers labeling the department an "obstacle in a crisis," according to News24.
Political career and coalition role
Steenhuisen began his political journey at 22 as a councilor in Durban for the DA's predecessor, the Democratic Party. Over two decades, he ascended through local and regional leadership before taking the party's top role. The DA, historically supported by white voters, joined forces with the African National Congress (ANC) in 2024 after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority, forming a fragile but historic government of national unity.
The partnership, though contentious, has endured, with Steenhuisen and Ramaphosa demonstrating cooperation during a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2025. Steenhuisen's defense of South African farmers against Trump's claims of a "white genocide" was seen as a unifying moment for the coalition.
Uncertainty over succession
No DA figures have formally announced bids to replace Steenhuisen, but Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is widely viewed as a potential successor. Hill-Lewis, a close ally of Steenhuisen, has previously ruled out running against him, per TimesLive. His candidacy could shape the party's direction amid ongoing coalition negotiations.
Foot-and-mouth crisis deepens
The outbreak, which has spread to most provinces, causes painful blisters in livestock, leading to lameness, reduced milk yields, and permanent devaluation of cattle. The agriculture ministry faces mounting pressure to contain the virus, which has strained the country's farming sector for four years.
