In a significant political shift, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is expected to announce he will not seek re-election at the party’s upcoming elective congress. The move comes just months before crucial local government elections and follows months of internal pressure and public controversies surrounding his leadership.
Steenhuisen is scheduled to hold a press briefing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, tomorrow morning, where a formal announcement is anticipated.
Internal Pressure and Controversy Preceded Decision
According to analysis provided following the breaking news, Steenhuisen’s decision follows a “serious push from certain quarters” within the DA for him to not run again. The party, which styles itself as a clean alternative to the ruling ANC, has been embroiled in controversies that threatened that image.
Key among these was an alleged credit card debt and misuse of party funds, which opposition figures, including former DA member Ian George, brought into public discourse. This, analysts suggest, made it difficult for the party to maintain its “clean” reputation with Steenhuisen at the helm.
Furthermore, his leadership has faced criticism from traditional DA constituencies. Farmers have reportedly been unhappy with his performance as Minister of Agriculture, particularly regarding the government’s handling of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks.
Government of National Unity Role a Factor
Political analyst Harald Pakendorf, providing deeper insight, suggested that Steenhuisen’s perceived “quiet voice” within the Government of National Unity (GNU) may also be a factor. Despite the DA holding several cabinet posts, there is a sense the party’s influence has not been as strong as anticipated. Pakendorf theorized the DA may be seeking a leader who will be “stronger in the government of national unity.”
He dismissed the idea that Steenhuisen would step away entirely, expecting him to retain his cabinet position. “I don’t think he’ll do anything which will hurt the DA as such. I would expect him to want to stay in parliament and to stay on as cabinet minister,” Pakendorf said.
Succession Race Opens
With Steenhuisen’s expected exit, the race for the DA leadership is now open. The current Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has previously indicated he would “seriously consider” running if Steenhuisen did not stand. Hill-Lewis, 39, is seen as a capable administrator and a centrist who could appeal to the party’s broad factions, though his national profile is considered limited outside the Western Cape.
Other potential candidates mentioned include the DA’s leader in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Solly Msimanga, and KwaZulu-Natal-based MP Chris Pappas. Analysts noted that the party faces a challenge with its leadership consistently perceived as predominantly white, despite its non-racial supporter base.
Potential Impact on Party Image and Elections
Both analysts agreed the timing of a leadership contest is damaging for the DA. Pakendorf stressed it tarnishes the party’s image of stable, decisive governance just as it aims to make gains in the local elections.
“The DA should be worried because… it’s bad for the image. The image is one of strong decisive leadership… And now suddenly you have these stories about ministers fighting on a very personal level… It almost sounds like the ANC,” Pakendorf said.
The coming days will determine the official line of succession and whether the party can present a unified front ahead of a critical electoral period. All eyes will be on Durban tomorrow for Steenhuisen’s official statement.