Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has announced that he will not contest a third term as federal leader, saying he has delivered on the central promise of his leadership by taking the DA into national government for the first time in its history.
Speaking in Durban this morning, Steenhuisen said the decision followed deep personal reflection and was driven by both political principle and practical responsibility.
“As I stood at the top of the Union Buildings steps a few weeks ago, I realised it is mission accomplished for me,” he said. “I have delivered everything that I promised my party when I was first elected as federal leader in 2019.”
Steenhuisen was elected leader at a turbulent moment for the DA, when internal polling had placed the party at just 16 percent and commentators were openly predicting its decline.
“The DA I inherited was reading its own obituary,” he said. “The DA I leave behind co-governs a country that is firmly on the up.”
His tenure culminated in the 2024 general elections when the ANC lost its outright majority, opening the door to coalition rule at national level.
Steenhuisen led negotiations that resulted in the formation of the Government of National Unity, with the DA entering Cabinet and key parliamentary positions.
“Against all the odds, we carried the hopes and dreams of our 3.5 million voters into national government for the first time ever,” he said.
Internal factions emerged over concerns that cooperation with the ANC could dilute the party’s identity, while others warned that refusing to govern would hand power to populist forces.
Steenhuisen addressed this tension directly, saying, “Some people opposed these bold moves at the time I pushed for them, but if we failed to mature into a coalition party, we would have sold South Africa out to the doomsday coalition.”
He pointed to recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal politics as a reminder of the stakes.
“Make no mistake about it. The scenes we saw when the MK Party turned violent in the legislature is what awaits South Africa if the MK/EFF alliance ever enters government,” he said.
Steenhuisen credited the GNU with improving economic confidence, noting growth gains, a credit rating upgrade and South Africa’s removal from the FATF grey list.
“For the first time in many years, life is getting better for the people of South Africa,” he said.
“That is because the DA is now delivering at municipal, provincial and crucially national level.”
He also highlighted the rise of younger leaders within the party, saying, “Rather than fearing competition, a true leader fosters talent wherever it can be found.”
Explaining why he would not seek re-election, Steenhuisen said his full attention was now required as Minister of Agriculture.
“It would not be fair to farmers for me to split my time between fighting the worst foot and mouth disease outbreak in our history and running an internal leadership campaign,” he said.
Steenhuisen said he would support the next leader fully, adding, “For the true test of whether you love something is knowing when to let it go. Today I let it go with a smile on my face and peace in my heart.”
The DA is expected to host its next federal congress in April.
The official nomination window for leadership roles is expected to open at the end of February
ALSO READ: DA orders disciplinary inquiry for Steenhuisen and George amid internal disputes
