DA hails Steenhuisen for ending single-party governance in SA

The Democratic Alliance DA believes that outgoing leader John Steenhuisen’s leadership was pivotal to dismantling single-party dominance in South Africa.

In what he labelled a “mission accomplished” speech made in Durban on Wednesday, Steenhuisen withdrew his ambitions to run for a third term as the party's leader.

He said he intends to focus on his responsibilities as the minister of agriculture.

The party has extended its gratitude to Steenhuisen for his leadership since 2019, which it said has successfully positioned it within the executive.

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In his "mission accomplished" statement, outgoing Steenhuisen boldly asserted that his dedicated stewardship was responsible for positioning the party within the Union Buildings.

"I have delivered on everything that I promised my party when I was first elected as federal leader back in 2019. I proudly picked up this party’s banner when its internal polling was just down to 16%."

Party spokesperson Jan de Villiers agreed that Steenhuisen was at the centre of the party’s electoral growth.

"His leadership helped reshape South African politics, and we as the DA thank him as he now focuses fully on serving the country as Minister of Agriculture."

Steenhuisen said the DA’s next mission is to overtake the African National Congress (ANC) in vote share, but added that this will fall on his successor.