South Africa’s Second Largest Party Leader Will not Seek Re-election
Last update: February 4, 2026
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Move could affect coalition government stability as party prepares for leadership contest in April.
John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance, has announced that he will not seek re-election as the party’s leader in April, raising questions about the stability of the country’s coalition government.
The Democratic Alliance, the country’s second largest party, entered into a coalition with its long-time rival, the African National Congress, in 2024 after losing its parliamentary majority. The coalition was seen as a pragmatic step to maintain influence but has faced internal tensions.
Steenhuisen, 49, became leader of the pro-business Democratic Alliance in 2019 and currently serves as Minister of Agriculture in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government.
He had been widely expected to run for another term, but reports indicate that ongoing controversies within the party and public disagreements over policy may have influenced his decision to step aside.
Party analysts suggest that his departure could trigger a leadership contest that may reshape the DA’s direction and impact the coalition’s future, especially as South Africa approaches a period of heightened political scrutiny and economic challenges.
