Steenhuisen reflects on GNU success as DA targets 2026 growth

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said he’s proud to have been his party’s first leader in government, indicating that he’s not about to give up that role as his party heads to an elective conference ahead of a local government poll.

With the nomination window for the DA’s top job only opening late next month, Steenhuisen is still playing his cards close to his chest as to whether he will officially be gunning for a third term.
 
He believes his party has achieved a lot in its first 18 months in the executive and that the party is on track to become the country’s largest party by 2029.

In an engagement with parliamentary journalists this week, Steenhuisen said, despite the initially teething pains, he believes the government of national unity has found its groove and the economic tide is turning.

"I’ve described this as a family road trip where no one can agree on the playlist, but we have managed to keep the vehicle on the road."

Steenhuisen said for the DA, 2026 is about growth for the party and opportunity for more South Africans.

He wants to build on the momentum of the 2024 polls to expand influence in municipalities.

Steenhuisen said the DA’s track record in Cape Town, Midvaal and Umgeni speaks for itself.

"We’ve shown that it is possible that where voters change their vote and give that vote to a party with a track record of getting things done, life gets better."

He said the DA’s priority in the upcoming polls remains outstanding service delivery, a thriving economy, and job creation.