Simon Nare
Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen was endorsed by the party’s Free State congress over the weekend to continue leading the party, despite speculation by Tuesday that he might not contest when the DA holds its elective congress in April.
Party spokesperson Karabo Khakhau, when reached for comment on Tuesday after news broke that Steenhuisen would not contest, referred all media inquiries to the party leader, whose phone was off.
Steenhuisen is scheduled to hold a briefing on Wednesday on what the media advisory described as a matter of national importance and public interest.
The speculation of him stepping down and not contesting contradicts with the endorsement by the Free State DA congress, whose leader, Roy Jankielsohn, described him as the ideal leader for the party to take it forward beyond the upcoming local government elections.
Steenhuisen’s leadership came into question last year after revelations that he had misused the party’s credit card, and shortly after he was embroiled in public mudslinging with former environment and fisheries minister Dion George.
The public spat led to the party launching an internal investigation, but George left before it could be completed.
George previously said he had informed the party in writing of his decision and accused the DA of bias against him in the ongoing feud with Steenhuisen.
“The situation has become intolerable. I am being pushed out and it is no longer feasible to remain in the party. I cannot remain in a party that has actions of its current leader John Steenhuisen being captured by the African National Congress and other criminal interests,” said George.
George said the fallout began when, while attending a conference in Brazil, he learned through the media that Steenhuisen had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2025 requesting his removal as minister, without providing any explanation.
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