Steenhuisen faces palace revolt

Senior Democratic Alliance officials are backing Western Cape agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer to replace the party leader as agriculture minister after its April federal congress

- Mandisa Nyathi

Uneasy lies the head: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuizen's position seems no longer tenable as his own party mulls replacing him. Photo: National Department of Agriculture

(National Department of Agriculture)

Senior Democratic Alliance (DA) leaders are backing Western Cape agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer to replace John Steenhuisen as the minister of agriculture after the party's federal congress in April, as criticism persists over his handling of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

Support for a reshuffle of the DA's six cabinet posts has solidified across most provinces, multiple provincial leaders told the Mail & Guardian, with the argument centred on the response to the outbreak and the need to restore confidence in the national agriculture department.

"It's no longer a Western Cape idea; there is broad agreement that agriculture needs a reset and that Steenhuisen's handling of the FMD outbreak cost the party its excellent reputation," one senior leader said.

Steenhuisen, who early this month confirmed he would not seek a third term as DA federal leader, remains minister of agriculture in the government of national unity (GNU). But insiders say the combination of his party leadership exit and the FMD crisis has weakened his internal position.

The outbreak, now declared a national disaster, has disrupted livestock movement in several provinces and heightened concerns about export markets. Agricultural bodies have warned of an escalating economic fallout if containment measures fail.

Meyer's name has emerged in internal consultations as the preferred successor when the portfolio is reviewed after the congress. The Western Cape MEC for agriculture holds a doctorate in agricultural economics and is touted by his supporters as technically equipped to stabilise the national department.