Steenhuisen's minister role in doubt after party race exit

DA leader John Steenhuisen’s time in government may be coming to an end, with political analysts warning that his decision not to stand for reelection as party leader has left his position as a cabinet minister increasingly uncertain.

- KARABO NGOEPE

DA FEDERAL leader, John Steenhuisen has officially announced that he will not be seeking to be elected again. | TUMI RAKKIES Independent Newspapers

(TUMI RAKKIES Independent Newspapers)

Steenhuisen announced on Wednesday that he would step aside when the DA goes to its elective conference in April, saying he wanted to focus fully on his role as Minister of Agriculture and on tackling South Africa's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. However, analysts argue that relinquishing the party’s top post weakens his standing within the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Political analyst Professor Kedibone Phago from North-West University said Steenhuisen’s explanation does not add up and has, in fact, made his future in government precarious.

“His reason doesn’t make sense,” Phago said. “Stepping down as DA leader in order to focus on being a minister actually weakens his position. Without control over the party, he won't have influence over who serves in government and can easily be reshuffled.”