Durban – As widely speculated, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that he would not seek a third term as leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the second largest partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Declaring that his mission was accomplished, Steenhuisen told a media briefing in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, that: “It would not be fair to the incredible farmers of South Africa for me to split my time between battling the worst Foot-And-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak ever on the one hand, while also running an internal campaign for the next three months and then leading a local government election campaign, on the other hand.
Steenhusien stated that leading the DA was not a part-time job.
“After leading the DA into the GNU, my next chapter must be to eradicate this devastating disease from our shores once and for all,” Steenhuisen said.
“So, to my colleagues and friends in the DA, It has been the honour of a lifetime to lead our party to the top of the Union Building steps.
“And I want to thank every public representative, every staff member, and every activist.
“For three elective congresses, I placed my trust in you and you in me. I told you we would land our Moonshot and keep out the Doomsday Coalition.
“And today, I simply say: mission accomplished.”
Steenhuisen recalled how 27 Years ago, in Durban, not far away, he made his first climb up the steps to the council chambers.
“Today announce that I will not seek re-election for a third term as DA Federal Leader at the party’s upcoming Federal Congress,” Steenhuisen said.
“I do so with a full heart, knowing that I have accomplished my DA Moonshot mission, and that my work in government now requires me to similarly pour my heart and soul into defeating foot-and-mouth disease.
“I also do so in the knowledge that I hand over the reins to a fundamentally healthier party than the one I inherited.
“Instead of 16%, the DA is now consistently polling at 30%, and is within striking distance of becoming the biggest political party in South Africa.”
Steenhuisen said the next duly-elected DA leader can rely on his full support and will be given the space to lead the party as they see fit.
