The Democratic Alliance’s new chair, Geordin Hill‑Lewis, has requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa replace John Steenhuisen as agriculture minister. The demand follows backlash over Steenhuisen’s management of the recent foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak, which severely damaged South Africa’s livestock industry and drew sharp criticism from farmers.
Steenhuisen, who took over from Hill‑Lewis in April, had already stepped down from the party leadership after a financial scandal and was nominated for deputy minister of trade and industry. Hill‑Lewis has said he will appoint Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, giving him an “immediate mandate to resolve ongoing legal proceedings relating to the outbreak.”
Beyond the agriculture role, Hill‑Lewis outlined further changes: David Maynier would become environment minister, Alexandra Abrahams would serve as deputy electricity and energy minister, Yusuf Cassim would take the deputy higher‑education and training portfolio, and Jack Bloom would become deputy water and sanitation minister. These moves could significantly reshape the Democratic Alliance’s influence in the cabinet.
The request underscores the tensions within the coalition that governs South Africa. With no party holding a parliamentary majority after the 2024 elections, the Democratic Alliance holds six ministerial posts and several deputy positions. Ramaphosa has yet to comment, but analysts say he may be willing to approve the reshuffle if it strengthens the coalition’s stability.
Hill‑Lewis’s swift action reflects a broader strategy of reviewing party appointments and making adjustments, as he has stated since taking over the leadership. The outcome of this request will have implications for the party’s representation in government and could shift the balance of power in the South African National Assembly.
