Johannesburg – John Steenhuisen’s six-year reign as leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) drew to a close on Saturday as the party opened its federal congress in Midrand, where he will formally hand over the reins after choosing not to seek re-election.
(Source: en.wikipedia.org)
Steenhuisen, 49, announced his decision not to contest for leadership on 4 February, declaring “mission accomplished” after steering the DA from opposition into national governent for the first time.
He will remain agriculture minister in the Government of National Unity (GNU) but said he wanted to focus exclusively on that role ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
(Source: nytimes.com)
Steenhuisen took over as interim leader in November 2019 after Mmusi Maimane’s resignation and was elected federal leader in 2020.
He inherited a party reeling from internal divisions and electoral stagnation.
Under his watch, the DA stabilised, rebuilt its organisation, and grew its national vote share.
In 2024, it secured 87 seats — its strongest showing in a decade — and formed the Multi-Party Charter before negotiating entry into the GNU after the ANC lost its majority.
(Source: en.wikipedia.org)
The party’s ascent into national power was repeatedly described by Steenhuisen as its greatest achievement.
DA members hold key portfolios as ministers and deputy ministers in the GNU.
The DA also retained the Western Cape and gained influence in KwaZulu-Natal.
In government, the DA claims credit for blocking a VAT increase, helping secure South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, contributing to the country’s first credit-rating upgrade in 20 years, and doubling economic growth in the GNU’s first full year.
(Source: polity.org.za)
Yet Steenhuisen’s tenure as DA leader was not without controversy.
In late 2025, Steenhuisen faced intense scrutiny over personal finances after a default judgment was entered against him for nearly R150 000 in unpaid credit-card debt.
Allegations surfaced that he had used a DA-issued credit card for personal expenses, including Uber Eats deliveries and household costs, sparking a public feud with party treasurer Dion George, who was, at the time, the former environment minister.
After an internal investigation cleared Steenhuisen of misappropriation, George was removed as minister and replaced by XXX Aucamp.
(Source: bbc.com)
As agriculture minister, Steenhuisen was also criticised by farmers’ groups for his handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Party insiders said mounting pressure from senior figures, donors, and caucuses contributed to his decision to step aside.
In 2010, an extramarital affair saw Steenhuisen resign as the DA’s KwaZulu-Natal leader.
On Saturday, 11 April 2026, Steenhuisen told delegates he leaves the DA “in a better state than when I found it” and urged the new generation to build on the foundations laid.
“For me, it is mission accomplished. I hand over the baton of leadership with immense pride and complete confidence,” Steenhuisen said.
“The Democratic Alliance today is stronger, larger, more relevant, and more influential than at any time in its history.”
The DA congress being held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, attended by thousands of party delegates, will elect new federal leadership over the weekend.
Cape Town Mayor, 39-year-old Geordin Hill-Lewis, was widely expected to succeed Steenhuisen as leader of the DA.
*Disclaimer: This article was compiled with the use of AI tool Grok on X and may contain inaccuracies
