‘IT'S DA END’ - DA’s John Steenhuisen confirms stepping out of leadership this May

DEMOCRATIC Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen described his tenure a “mission accomplished,” after announcing that he will not seek re-election at the party’s federal congress in April.

Steenhuisen made the announcement during a media briefing on Wednesday, confirming that he is withdrawing from the DA’s leadership contest, but will remain in his role as Minister of Agriculture.

His decision follows reports earlier this week that he was expected to step aside ahead of the party’s elective congress.

Steenhuisen told the media and supporters in Durban: “It is a mission accomplished for me. 

“I have delivered everything that I promised my party when I was first elected as federal leader back in 2019.”

He said he assumed leadership at a time when internal polling placed the DA at just 16 percent, amid widespread media speculation about the party’s decline.

He said earlier chapters of the DA’s history were defined by becoming the official opposition and forming a provincial government in the Western Cape, while his tenure would be remembered for leading the party into national government, with the Government of National Unity.

Steenhuisen added: “My term will be remembered for leading the DA into national government and putting South Africa on a new path to prosperity. 

“This is not the end of the road for the DA, or for myself.

“For the rest of this term of office, I will focus all my time and energy on defeating the most devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak our country has ever seen.”

Steenhuisen’s decision now paves the way for a new leader at the helm of the party, with Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expected to be in the race.

Steenhuisen has vowed to be bankvas behind the leadership and give them the space to lead as they see fit.

He said: “For the true test of whether you love a thing is the ability to let it go when the time is right. I let it go with a smile on my face and triumphant peace in my heart.”