Steenhuisen shifts focus to foot-and-mouth crisis

As John Steenhuisen enters his final two months as Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, he attributed much of the country’s recent economic progress to his party’s presence in government.

The DA currently has six ministers in Cabinet, along with six deputy ministers, all appointed at the beginning of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Speaking in Durban on Wednesday, Steenhuisen announced his withdrawal from the party’s leadership race.

Steenhuisen said one of his proudest achievements during his tenure was actively contributing in Cabinet to improve the quality of life for South Africans.

“South Africa today is a profoundly better country than it was on the eve of the 2024 general elections. A major part of the reason is because I delivered on my pledge to turn the DA into a party of national government, which enabled the talented colleagues who lead these Cabinet portfolios to demonstrate that the DA truly delivers for all,” Steenhuisen said.

However, political analyst Sanusha Naidu suggested that Steenhuisen was taking credit for matters beyond his scope.

“He’s claiming victory over the GDP. But at the same time, he’s not taking accountability for not dealing with the foot-and-mouth disease. These are contradictions and paradox of his presser,” Naidu said.

Steenhuisen said he now wanted to divert his full attention to handling the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.