Steenhuisen pleased with DA's Cabinet haul

CAPE TOWN - Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said that even though his party hadn't walked away with the number of Cabinet posts and the portfolios originally hoped for, it's pleased with what it's received. 

While Steenhuisen will take up the post of agriculture minister, he has no intention of relinquishing his role as the leader of his parliamentary caucus. 

But he will have to appoint a new chief whip, as Siviwe Gwarube takes up the job of basic education minister.

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Steenhuisen said that while entering a Government of National Unity (GNU) was not about positions, he was satisfied with the outcome of negotiations that has led to 12 ministerial posts across all clusters of government. 

With the African National Congress (ANC) no longer a majority party, he said that there would have to be give and take on policy direction within these departments. 

"I think what we need to do is focus over the next five years on the things where we do agree with each other and how we can then make those things work."

But the ministerial postings could impact the DA's once-strong parliamentary oversight, as its more experienced legislators move into the executive. 

Steenhuisen is expected to name a new chief whip soon, as Gwarube pivots to her new ministerial job. 

Steenhuisen said that his new parliamentary second-in-charge would have to play a greater role than ever before in directing the parliamentary caucus.

The party could soon also have to decide who of those left in the legislature will chair parliamentary portfolio committees - positions previously not offered to the party.