WATCH | ‘Stronger, Bigger, Influential’: Steenhuisen bows out as DA leader

Steenhuisen

Johannesburg – John Steenhuisen has announced he is stepping down as leader of the Democratic Alliance, saying he leaves the party in a much stronger position than when he took over in 2019 after Mmusi Maimane’s exit.

Speaking at the party’s elective congress in Johannesburg on Saturday, Steenhuisen said he was tasked with rebuilding a divided and struggling DA, which had been polling at 16%.

Under his leadership, he said the party stabilised, grew its support to nearly 30%, and entered national government through a coalition—marking a major shift from opposition to influence.

“It was in 2019 when the members of this great organisation first entrusted me with the responsibility to rebuild the DA, a mandate that you renewed twice in 2020 and 2023. We have done so much together, friends, thank you.

“The party that we inherited in 2019 was on its knees, polling at 16%, divided and ravaged by a crisis of confidence. The media confidently proclaimed the death of the DA, but together the people in this room refused to accept decline as our destiny,” he said.

He described his tenure as “mission accomplished,” adding that the DA is now a stronger, more relevant national force.

Steenhuisen said he will remain active in government and support the party’s new leadership, while encouraging them to continue building towards making the DA the country’s largest party.

He also expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues and supporters, calling his time as leader “the greatest privilege” of his life.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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