DA leader wants former DA leader sacked from South African cabinet

The leader of South Africa's second-largest governing coalition partner has proposed a significant reshuffle of the Democratic Alliance's (DA) representation in government, including the removal of former party leader John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture.

Geordin Hill-Lewis, who succeeded Steenhuisen as DA leader in April, has formally asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to approve changes affecting several cabinet and deputy ministerial positions allocated to the party under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The DA secured six cabinet posts and a number of deputy minister positions after South Africa's 2024 general election failed to produce an outright parliamentary majority, leading to the formation of the coalition government.

At the centre of the proposed changes is the recommendation that Steenhuisen be replaced as agriculture minister by Willie Aucamp. While Hill-Lewis did not publicly elaborate on the reasons for the move, it comes amid growing criticism of Steenhuisen's handling of the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which dealt a major blow to South Africa's livestock industry.

Farmers and agricultural stakeholders have accused the government of failing to act decisively enough to contain the outbreak, increasing pressure on the agriculture ministry.

In announcing the proposed changes, Hill-Lewis said Aucamp would assume the portfolio with an immediate mandate to address ongoing legal and policy issues arising from the outbreak.

Steenhuisen has instead been nominated to serve as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, a move widely viewed as a significant demotion from his current cabinet position.

The proposed reshuffle would also see David Maynier take over as Minister of Environment, replacing Aucamp. Alexandra Abrahams has been nominated as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, while Yusuf Cassim has been proposed for the position of Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Jack Bloom has been nominated to serve as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.

The proposed changes come against the backdrop of a financial scandal that contributed to Steenhuisen's decision not to seek re-election as DA leader earlier this year.

President Ramaphosa has not yet commented publicly on the recommendations. However, under the coalition arrangements governing the GNU, political parties generally exercise considerable influence over appointments to positions allocated to them.

If approved, the reshuffle would represent one of the most significant changes to the DA's representation in government since the formation of the coalition administration and could signal the beginning of a new leadership era under Hill-Lewis.

Political observers are likely to view the proposed overhaul as an early indication of Hill-Lewis's priorities for the party and its role within South Africa's evolving coalition government.