Leadership Shift in South Africa's Democratic Alliance: John Steenhuisen Steps Down

South Africa faces a political shift as John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), declares he won't run for re-election in April. This decision introduces uncertainty within the country's coalition government, formed with the African National Congress (ANC) after their historic parliamentary loss in 2024.

Steenhuisen, who took charge of the pro-business DA in 2019, has played a pivotal role as both party leader and agriculture minister. His leadership significantly aided coalition collaboration. Political analyst Ongama Mtimka suggests that this leadership change might lead to renegotiated coalition terms or even withdrawal discussions within the DA.

Despite ongoing disagreements with the ANC, analysts deem a DA exit from the coalition unlikely. With Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Cape Town Mayor, speculated as a leadership contender, the focus remains on managing the severe foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which Steenhuisen plans to prioritize.