John Steenhuisen
South AfricapoliticianMaleb. 19764.0Global Dominance: 0.00%John Steenhuisen is a South African politician and the leader of the Democratic Alliance, a major opposition party. As an experienced member of Parliament, he has been vocal in debates concerning agricultural policy and crime, particularly in relation to the safety of farmers in rural areas. Recently, he criticized the disbandment of rural safety units, calling it a catastrophic mistake that left farmers vulnerable to violent crime.
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Recent news mentions
In 2025, Johnson wrote a particularly acerbic personal criticism of former Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen in the Sunday Times.
RW Johnson dies, still inimical to the post-1994 dispensationSouth Africa· 2026-08-04
John Steenhuisen is a former leader of the Democratic Alliance who faced calls for disciplinary action after his public outburst against the party.
Steenhuisen escapes DA disciplinary actionSouth Africa· 2026-07-10
John Steenhuisen, the former DA leader, made allegations about Resolve Communications' engagements.
ActionSA dares Leon to file court papers against itSouth Africa· 2026-07-03
Former DA leader John Steenhuisen moved from Minister of Agriculture to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Controversial Dina Pule returns to cabinet as Steenhuisen is officially demotedSouth Africa· 2026-07-01
Hill-Lewis announced plans to replace former party leader John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture.
DA shake-up triggers internal revoltSouth Africa· 2026-06-26
The proposed removal of former DA leader John Steenhuisen as minister of agriculture has triggered anger and confusion.
Angst and anger as DA reshufflesSouth Africa· 2026-06-19
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen announced that he would not be contesting the position of party leader later this year.
Hill-Lewis throws hat in the ring to replace Steenhuisen – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-02-04
Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is adamant that he was not forced into withdrawing from contesting for a third term as party leader.
“I don’t get forced to do anything,” says Steenhuisen – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-02-04
John Steenhuisen is stepping down as the leader of South Africa's second largest party, the DA.
DA leader John Steenhuisen to step down as leader of South Africa's second largest party
United Kingdom· 2026-02-04
DA leader John Steenhuisen says that if he had stood for election at the upcoming congress, he would have won hands down.
Steenhuisen speaks to the M&G about his future – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-02-04John Steenhuisen is preparing to withdraw from the party’s leadership contest ahead of its federal congress in April 2026.
John Steenhuisen to withdraw from Democratic Alliance leadership race – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-02-03John Steenhuisen is the current leader of the Democratic Alliance.
Gwarube eyes top DA post – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-01-22
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen acknowledged the severe impact of the disease on South Africa’s livestock sector since the country lost its FMD-free status in 2019.
New 10-year plan to combat foot-and-mouth disease – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-01-16
John Steenhuisen remains the party’s preferred candidate amidst a leadership dispute within the DA.
Inquiry delay could suggest DA plot – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-01-16John Steenhuisen is the party leader of the Democratic Alliance with whom Dion George had a public fallout.
Dion George quits DA ahead of disciplinary hearing outcome – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-01-15DA leader John Steenhuisen criticised the dismissal of Andrew Whitfield as unilateral.
Ramaphosa’s tumultuous 2025 – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-12-19
John Steenhuisen requested Ramaphosa to remove George in favour of Aucamp.
Ramaphosa appoints Willie Aucamp as environment minister – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-11-13
John Steenhuisen is the leader of the Democratic Alliance who is attempting to replace Dion George.
Civil society groups urge Ramaphosa to block DA plan to replace environment minister – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-11-12
John Steenhuisen is the leader of the Democratic Alliance party, who has requested the removal of Dion George from his position.
Finance, adaptation, technology and fair trade – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-11-10
John Steenhuisen stated that the DA would do whatever it takes to keep the MK party and the EFF out of government.
Zuma’s MK party plans to collapse KZN – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-10-31
John Steenhuisen is the leader of the Democratic Alliance who raised concerns about Ramaphosa's handling of the Maumela situation.
Walk with us, President Ramaphosa – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-10-17
John Steenhuisen is another opposition leader who has addressed The 1926 Club.
Let’s club together to foster dialogue and promote tolerance in the age of social media – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-09-22
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen told Reuters last month that to secure lower tariffs South Africa might need to address some of Trump's criticisms.
South Africa has sent officials to US for trade talks, president says
Tanzania· 2025-09-10John Steenhuisen is the current leader of the DA, representing a different vision amidst the party's brand confusion.
The ‘unbranding’ of parties has political consequences – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-09-04
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has confirmed 274 cases of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa.
Steenhuisen confirms 274 foot-and-mouth disease cases in five provinces – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-09-01
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced a last-minute U-turn to stop the euthanasia of Achi.
South Africans rejoice after rescued yacht dog spared euthanasiaUnited Kingdom· 2025-08-22
John Steenhuisen is mentioned as a close friend of Håkan Juholt and leader of the Democratic Alliance.
Håkan Juholt berättar om silldiplomatin i Sydafrika
Sweden· 2025-08-21
John Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of voting for the DA to improve the lives of Tshwane residents.
DA announces Cilliers Brink as its Tshwane mayoral candidate ‘to finish what we started’ – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-08-17
John Steenhuisen is the agriculture minister who emphasized the competitiveness of South African agricultural exports.
South Africa offers US a revised trade deal and seeks to diversify exports – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-08-12
John Steenhuisen is the leader of the Democratic Alliance and has criticized the national dialogue as an expensive talk shop.
DA slams R700m national dialogue as pricey ‘talk shop’ – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-08-11
