STEENHUISEN’S DEAR JOHN - DA federal leader expected to step aside in party leadership race

In a surprising move, it has been reported that DA federal leader John Steenhuisen is set to announce that he will not be available to contest in the party’s leadership race. 

He had previously indicated his availability for a third term as federal leader.

The DA is set to hold its national federal congress in April, where Steenhuisen was expected to contest against Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, and Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi. 

According to reports, it is expected that Steenhuisen will make the announcement at a press conference in Durban on Wednesday.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Steenhuisen said he would make an announcement of “national importance. Until you see me outlining the full set of facts tomorrow, avoid speculation.”

The move comes after Steenhuisen had received strong backing from several DA leaders in his home province, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Mercury reported last month the leaders had praised Steenhuisen's leadership saying he had led the DA into government in the Government of National Unity for the first time in the party's history.

Steenhuisen, however, has been facing opposition amid his public falling out with former Environment Minister and former DA federal finance chairperson Dion George.

Steenhuisen had asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove George as minister and to replace him with Willie Aucamp.

George then made allegations of financial wrongdoing against Steenhuisen and expressed concern about the direction of the DA, alleging that the party had been captured. 

He resigned from the party.

According to reporting elsewhere, his withdrawal is expected to open the door for Hill‑Lewis to 

Reports claim that Hill‑Lewis, a close ally of Helen Zille, is widely regarded “as a stabilising figure” capable of uniting the DA ahead of the 2026 local government elections.