Hill-Lewis strengthens grip on DA through executive changes: Analyst

Political analyst, Professor Sam Koma, says the executive changes made by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, amount to an assertion of his political leadership within the party.

Hill-Lewis has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing several changes to the party’s representatives in the National Executive.

Among the proposed changes, Hill-Lewis has nominated Willie Aucamp to replace John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture. Steenhuisen would, in turn, become Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, replacing Alexandra Abrahams.

The DA leader has also proposed that Jack Bloom replace Isaac Seitlholo as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.

While the changes remain subject to the President’s approval, Hill-Lewis says the reconfigured team will strengthen the DA’s contribution to government.

“These changes demonstrate Democratic Alliance values in action. We believe in accountability in public office, high standards of performance, and responsiveness to the needs of South Africans. It is my firm expectation that each person representing the DA in government must unmistakably demonstrate the “DA difference” in action.”

“That requires a government rooted in our philosophical outlook, with higher standards of public service, and absolute commitment to integrity.”

Professor Koma says Hill-Lewis appears to have lost confidence in Steenhuisen.

“He seemed to have exercised his prerogative in making these changes because there is no clear indication that he made consultations with relevant structures in the party.”

“The elevation of Jack Bloom from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to the Deputy Minister’s role could be an indication  that he is being rewarded for spearheading his political campaign to emerge as the leader of the DA at its last elective conference.”

Koma added that it’s clear that the DA intends to strengthen its influence and role within the Government of National Unity (GNU) ahead of the local government elections.

Meanwhile, Political commentator Goodenough Mashego, says Hill-Lewis’s decision suggests a willingness to weaken provincial structures in favour of strengthening national positioning.

Mashego says moving Bloom to National will not help the DA in Gauteng.

He further expressed that Steenhuisen’s demotion reflects the fact that even before the April conference, there were already fault lines between Helen Zille’s choice of leadership for the DA and the leadership that would have emerged organically.

“So we should not be surprised that Steenhuisen is no longer a senior member of the party, as in caucus politics.”