Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is expected to announce his withdrawal from the party’s leadership race on Wednesday, 4 February, according to various media platforms.
Steenhuisen will be addressing the media in Durban tomorrow morning.
The reports suggest that tensions within the DA leadership have led to Steenhuisen’s decision to step down from the position, with multiple party sources cited as having knowledge of the matter.
Steenhuisen, who has headed the DA since November 2019, is expected to make a formal announcement on Wednesday in Durban, where he started his career in the party. A media advisory from the DA on Tuesday said Steenhuisen would address the media at Riverside Hotel in eThekwini, “concerning matters of national importance and public interest”.
The development paves the way for Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to run unopposed. Hill-Lewis had previously stated he would not run against his “dear friend” in the race for the DA’s top role. He is currently viewed as the clear favourite for the position.
In an interview earlier this week, Hill-Lewis reportedly said he would “very seriously” consider running if Steenhuisen did not stand, but would not join the national Cabinet.
Other insiders are of the opinion that Steenhuisen, who is also national Minister of Agriculture in the GNU, will switch roles with Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, as Aucamp has more agriculture experience. Steenhuisen has recently been criticised by the agricultural sector for his handling of the countrywide foot-and-mouth disease crisis.
According to reports, the move comes after a series of meetings in the DA leadership to broker a deal which will see Steenhuisen stepping aside from the party’s leadership in a “dignified” manner.
In recent months, Steenhuisen has faced criticism for his axing of former environment minister and DA finance head Dion George and his alleged use of DA credit card funds on Uber Eats. He has also attracted controversy over his handling of the foot and mouth disease outbreak as minister of agriculture.
ALSO READ: Dion George resigns from DA and Parliament amid deepening leadership crisis
Steenhuisen’s spokesperson had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication. In a post on X, Steenhuisen reiterated that he would make an announcement on Wednesday. However, he added: “Until you see me outlining the full set of facts tomorrow, avoid speculation.”
The DA declined to comment officially, saying that “at this stage it is just a rumour”.
