DA rifts deepen as pressure grows to replace Steenhuisen as agriculture minister

INTERNAL tensions within the Democratic Alliance are intensifying ahead of the party’s April federal congress, with senior leaders coalescing around Western Cape agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer as a possible successor to John Steenhuisen in the national agriculture portfolio.

- KARABO NGOEPE

Several party figures say momentum is building for a broader reshuffle of the DA's cabinet positions in the Government of National Unity, driven largely by dissatisfaction with the handling of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak and concerns about the party’s credibility among farming communities.

The outbreak, which has disrupted livestock movement and unsettled export markets, has become a focal point for internal criticism. Insiders argue the crisis has dented confidence in the agriculture department and weakened Steenhuisen’s standing, particularly after he confirmed he would not seek a third term as DA federal leader.

One senior party leader, said there was now “broad agreement that agriculture needs a reset,” arguing the response to FMD had harmed the party’s reputation. The disease has been declared a national disaster, with agricultural organisations warning of serious economic consequences if it is not contained.