DA thanks John Steenhuisen for 'determined leadership' after he quits race

The Democratic Alliance (DA) thanked its outgoing leader, John Steenhuisen, for what it described as six years of “determined leadership” as federal leader of the party.

The party said under Steenhuisen’s leadership, the DA not only strengthened its institutional stability and electoral performance but achieved a historic breakthrough by entering national government.

The DA said being in government was a long-standing objective that was pursued by successive generations of party leaders.

The DA was quick to thank Steenhuisen following his announcement on Wednesday morning that he was withdrawing from the leadership contest. The party will start its national conference to elect a new leader in April.

In a statement, party spokesperson Jan de Villiers said under Steenhuisen’s stewardship, joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) was an achievement that “fundamentally reshaped South Africa’s political landscape”.

De Villiers said this move stood as a testament to Steenhuisen’s “vision, perseverance, and commitment to building a viable alternative to the ANC”.

“His leadership in initiating the Moonshot Pact laid the groundwork for the Government of National Unity and a new era of cooperative governance,” de Villiers said.

De Villiers said Steenhuisen also oversaw the DA’s electoral growth in the 2021 and 2024 elections, expanding the party’s support base and reinforcing its role as the leading opposition and reform force in South African politics.

Regarding Steenhuisen’s responsibility in government as agriculture minister, De Villiers said he would now focus on responding to the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.