Overview
- John Steenhuisen confirmed he will not seek a third term as Democratic Alliance federal leader, calling his tenure a "mission accomplished."
- He will remain Minister of Agriculture, saying he will devote full attention to what he termed South Africa’s worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
- The April federal congress now opens space for new contenders, with multiple reports identifying Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as a likely candidate.
- Media accounts citing party insiders describe a managed exit shaped by senior figures such as Helen Zille and suggest Steenhuisen keeps his Cabinet post under an internal deal.
- Recent turbulence included Dion George’s resignation with public accusations, while a DA probe reportedly found no evidence Steenhuisen misappropriated party funds via a party credit card.