DA leader John Steenhuisen addressed members of the media on Wednesday,where he announced that he will not contest the DA leadership.
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04 February 12:44
FIRST TAKE | Steenhuisen: Undone by three things – but forever the first DA minister
The DA leader’s legacy as the party leader who led his colleagues into the national government seems assured. But he was undone by three issues,writes Pieter du Toit.
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04 February 11:16
IN FULL | ‘Mission accomplished for me’,says John Steenhuisen
The following speech was delivered in eThekwini today by the leader of the Democratic Alliance,John Steenhuisen.
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04 February 11:14
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04 February 11:14
Cape Town mayor,and Steenhuisen’s presumptive successor,Geordin Hill-Lewis,also posted on X,saying Steenhuisen deserves honour and recognition for what he’s achieved as DA leader over the past six years.
“He took over at a very difficult time for the party,but he steadied the ship,got the DA focused again,and returned us to growth in 2024.
“He brought opposition parties together ahead of the 2024 election,and then led the DA into national government for the first time. That alone makes him one of the most consequential leaders in our party's history.
“John leaves the Democratic Alliance in a better state than when he took the helm in 2019. It is now up to all of us — every DA member — to build on these foundations and take the party to greater heights. Let us be the hope our country is looking for. Thank you,John.”
– Jan Gerber
04 February 11:00
04 February 11:00
Another DA GNU-minister,Leon Schreiber,paid tribute to Steenhuisen on X.
“John Steenhuisen is a good man who led the DA to its greatest-ever heights and made South Africa a better country.
“In 2019,he inherited a party reading its own obituary,in a country in rapid decline. In 2026,he hands over a party that co-governs a country firmly on the up. John Steenhuisen had the courage and vision to take,and land,his Moonshot of leading the DA into national government when very few people believed it could be done.
“A leader who empowered rather than feared talent with the best political instincts I have ever seen,the full story of how John reformed the DA into a more constructive,collaborative party building South Africa up,is yet to be told. But first: I look forward to continue working with Minister Steenhuisen in Cabinet to make sure that the worst outbreak of FMD in our country’s history,is also the last.”
– Jan Gerber
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04 February 10:57
04 February 10:57
Dean Macpherson,DA KwaZulu-Natal chairperson,a GNU minister and formerly Steenhuisen’s campaign manager to become DA leader,posted on X,thanking Steenhuisen for his leadership.
“You have made the mentorship and empowerment of young people a hallmark of your leadership. Thank you for believing in me and so many young people like me. I will never take for granted that you entrusted me to manage your campaigns to become the leader.
“I will cherish those memories and lessons learned for the rest of my life. I welcome your determination to beat FMD in South Africa forever and do what no other agriculture Minister has been able to do. The DA is stronger,better and more focused than it’s ever been because of you. Indeed,it is mission accomplished.”
– Jan Gerber
04 February 10:52
The DA extended its “sincere gratitude to John Steenhuisen for six years of determined leadership as Federal Leader of the party”,party spokesperson Jan de Villiers said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
“Under his leadership,the DA not only strengthened its institutional stability and electoral performance,but achieved a historic breakthrough by entering national government,a long-standing objective pursued by successive generations of DA leaders.”
According to De Villiers,this “fundamentally reshaped South Africa’s political landscape and stands as a testament to John’s vision,perseverance,and commitment to building a viable alternative to the ANC. His leadership in initiating the Moonshot Pact laid the groundwork for the Government of National Unity and a new era of cooperative governance.
“John also oversaw the DA’s electoral growth in the 2021 and 2024 elections,expanding the party’s support base and reinforcing its role as the leading opposition and reform force in South African politics.
“As John now focuses fully on his responsibilities as Minister of Agriculture in the Government of National Unity; particularly in responding to the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak,the DA thanks him for his service and leadership.
“South Africa’s farmers,rural communities,and food security will benefit from the full-time attention,of Mr Steenhuisen,and we wish strength in his efforts.”
– Jan Gerber
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04 February 10:52
One of the first political parties to welcome Steenhuisen bowing out of the leadership race was the FF Plus' Corner Mulder. Mulder dropped a brief statement on Tuesday. He said: "The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) notes the impending resignation of the current DA leader,Mr John Steenhuisen,and wishes him all the best for the future."
Mulder said this development makes it important to point out that the Freedom Front Plus’s significant and sustained growth – for which the party is deeply grateful – is not based on the problems or circumstances of any other party,including the DA.
"The Freedom Front Plus’s growth is brought about by its current positioning,offering all voters hope and a vision.
It is also directly linked to the party’s public and unwavering opposition to the ANC’s failed policies and its positioning of South Africa in conflict with various countries,thus jeopardising the country’s international footing and important trade relations.
Mulder said the Freedom Front Plus will keep opposing the ANC and remains the obvious choice for everyone who wants to make South Africa successful.
- Siyamtanda Capa
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