DA leadership contest upended as Steenhuisen bows out

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, has officially bowed out of the party’s leadership race, saying he will not seek re-election and will instead focus on his ministerial responsibilities.

Speaking at the Riverside Hotel in eThekwini, he reflected on his two terms as federal leader, saying his tenure would be remembered for guiding the DA from the opposition benches into national government.

He says his next mission is to build on both his personal legacy and the DA’s role in the Government of National Unity.

His announcement comes amid an ongoing probe into the alleged misuse of party funds.

The 49-year-old was first appointed interim leader of the Democratic Alliance in 2019, succeeding Mmusi Maimane.

He was formally elected leader by the party’s Federal Congress in 2020, defeating former MPL, Mbali Ntuli.

Steenhuisen was the re-elected for a second term in 2023.

While questions remain over his successor, John Steenhuisen said he steps aside with “a full heart” and has pledged his support to the incoming leader. Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has been widely touted as a possible successor.

“The next duly-elected DA leader can rely on my full support, and will be given the space to lead the party as they see fit, ” he said. “Don’t get me wrong: this is not the end of the road for the DA, or for myself. The way I see it, there is an important next mission that beckons for the party.”

Reflecting on his tenure, he noted that he took over the party at a low point.

“I have delivered everything that I promised my party when I was first elected as Federal Leader back in 2019. I proudly picked up the party’s banner when its internal polling was down to just 16% and after the media declared the “Death of the DA.”

Steenhuisen says he will be remembered for leading the DA into national government and putting South Africa on a new path to prosperity.

The DA has welcomed Steenhuisen’s decision, thanking him for his six years at the helm.

The party says under his leadership it strengthened institutional stability, improved electoral performance, and achieved a historic breakthrough by joining the national government.

“This achievement fundamentally reshaped South Africa’s political landscape and stands as a testament to John’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,” the party said.

Democrat. Patriot. Progress. 🇿🇦

Thank you, John Steenhuisen. 💙 pic.twitter.com/2xGZ0U7gzg

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) February 4, 2026

The DA’s federal congress will elect new leadership in April 2026.

Since when Internal disagreement equal to a walk off?
Mmusi Maimane never walked off, i don’t understand why John Steenhuisen is trying so hard to push that false narrative. 🙄 https://t.co/qFDMr8ktr8

— Tenyeko💝👑jobplug queen📝 (@comforttenyeko) February 4, 2026

The GNU is cannibalizing the leadership of the smaller parties that joined it.
First Pieter Groenewald now Steenhuisen
Gaining executive power loses political soul.
Who will be next ?

— FineStructureConstant (@Tokamak137) February 4, 2026

Well boss John Steenhuisen does a Mmusi Maimane. When heat is turned on you leave the kitchen. Mmusi mistake was trying to be VAR operator for Zim politics. WMC benefits more in Zim and Mmusi was out of order. DA uses you and dumps you black child 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/8qZ3pRzs2P

— Rufaz–Jerera❤King❤ (@Mavhure) February 4, 2026