DA leader John Steenhuisen is set to announce on 4 February 2026 that he will not seek a third term, amid internal party pressures and scandals. The decision, brokered in recent meetings, allows him to retain his position as Minister of Agriculture. This paves the way for Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to potentially take over the leadership role.
John Steenhuisen, who has led the Democratic Alliance (DA) since November 2019, faces mounting internal challenges that have led to his expected announcement on 4 February 2026 in Durban, where he began his political career. Multiple sources within the DA confirm that Steenhuisen will not seek re-election at the party's April congress, a move framed as his own choice but driven by pressure from party insiders, including federal executive chair Helen Zille.
The decision stems from a deal allowing Steenhuisen to keep his ministerial post in the Government of National Unity (GNU), despite backlash over his handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting South African cattle farmers. Party sources indicate that Zille's loss of confidence, coupled with an ongoing federal legal commission investigation into allegations of bringing the party into disrepute, played key roles. The probe cleared him of misusing a DA credit card but examined issues like a May 2025 default judgment for unpaid personal credit card debt of nearly R150,000 and his alleged recruitment of Greg Mills as an unbudgeted advisor.
Additional controversies include Steenhuisen's axing of veteran Dion George as Environment Minister and revelations of his substantial salary, including a R39,560 monthly leader's stipend on top of his R2.8-million annual ministerial pay. Donors and the Western Cape faction have expressed unhappiness, with some pushing for Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as successor. Hill-Lewis, a longtime ally, has indicated he would seriously consider running if Steenhuisen steps aside but prefers to retain his mayoral role, following precedent set by Zille in 2007.
Steenhuisen has denied speculation via a tweet featuring the iconic 'Dewey Defeats Truman' photo, urging avoidance of rumors until his 10am address. His ally Dean Macpherson echoed this to News24. As local government elections approach between November 2026 and January 2027, the DA seeks to avoid further instability. Former DA chair Athol Trollip tweeted that Zille 'will elevate you as long as it serves her purposes and then drop you,' highlighting internal tensions. The party risks reputational damage if the transition appears as backroom dealing.
