John Steenhuisen Declines Re-Election as DA Leader Amidst Controversy

Thu Feb 05 2026 01:28:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, announces he will not seek re-election in April, raising questions about the coalition government stability.

John Steenhuisen, who has led the Democratic Alliance (DA) since 2019, has confirmed he will not run for re-election in April. His decision comes in the wake of controversies, including a fallout with a senior party member and criticism regarding his response to a devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting livestock. Steenhuisen plans to focus on his role as Agriculture Minister during this term, posing potential challenges for the stability of the coalition government formed with the African National Congress (ANC).

John Steenhuisen Declines Re-Election as DA Leader Amidst Controversy

9 minutes ago

The leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) John Steenhuisen has announced he will not seek re-election in April, a decision that may jeopardize the stability of the coalition government.

Since 2024, the DA, the second largest political party in South Africa, has maintained a coalition with its historic rival, the African National Congress (ANC).

Steenhuisen has led the DA since 2019, also serving as Minister of Agriculture in President Cyril Ramaphosa's government.

Initially expected to run for a second term, Steenhuisen's decision arises from several controversies that have emerged in recent months.

He expressed his intent to devote his efforts to addressing the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which is severely impacting the country's agriculture sector.

The DA's future leadership will be closely watched as Steenhuisen's leadership transition may affect the coalition's dynamics with the ANC.