Taste of power exposes DA’s ethical fault lines

OBLIVIOUS to the needs of the majority of South Africans, the DA is increasingly consumed by internal conflict that exposes deep weaknesses in its leadership, organisational culture, and political posture.

- DR RENEVA FOURIE

LEADER of the DA John Steenhuisen (centre) and Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille (right) at a press conference on the party's preparations in Johannesburg. | AFP

(AFP)

This occurs as it prepares for its elective conference in April 2026. With the official nomination process set to open, this is not merely a leadership contest, but a wider crisis triggered by the party's entry into the Government of National Unity (GNU) and its access to state power.

For much of its recent history, the DA functioned comfortably as an opposition party. That position allowed it to criticise without governing, to posture without delivering, and to define itself largely in opposition to the failures of others.

Participation in the GNU has fundamentally altered that dynamic. Power has brought visibility, responsibility, and scrutiny. It has also revealed fault lines that had long been managed behind closed doors. These divisions are now public and increasingly corrosive.

The current leader, John Steenhuisen, appears to be losing support across key structures. As the nomination process nears, factional positioning has become more explicit. The contest is no longer only about internal power but about access to Cabinet positions and control of the party’s direction as the possible next leader of a coalition government. This struggle has already spilled into the public domain, damaging the DAs carefully cultivated image of unity and professionalism.

The most prominent flashpoint has been the removal of former environment, forestry, and fisheries minister Dion George from Cabinet in November 2025. George has formally complained to the Public Protector, alleging that his removal was orchestrated at Steenhuisen’s request.