John Steenhuisen, who led the Democratic Alliance since 2019, will step down as party leader — a move that intensifies concerns about the cohesion of South Africa’s ruling coalition. The DA entered government in 2024 after the ANC lost its majority, and its pro-market stance helped reassure investors. Party infighting and corruption allegations against Steenhuisen risk undermining the DA’s role as a stabilising force and could dent investor confidence in the country’s economic recovery.
DA Leader John Steenhuisen To Step Down, Testing South Africa's Fragile Coalition
John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA), has announced he will step down, a development that raises fresh questions about the stability of the country’s coalition government and the DA’s role within it.
Background
Steenhuisen led the pro-business DA since 2019 and steered the party into government in 2024 after the long-ruling African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure an outright majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. His tenure has been marked by a push for market-friendly policies and an appeal to investors seeking policy continuity.
Internal Strife and Allegations
In recent months the party has experienced widening internal divisions, and Steenhuisen has faced allegations of corruption. Those tensions have contributed to a leadership decision that could reshape the DA’s public standing and influence within the ruling coalition.
"The DA had been viewed as the responsible anchor of a fragile coalition," reported Semafor's Sam Mkokeli, warning that infighting could erode that reputation.
Potential Impact
Analysts say the DA’s presence in government reassured investors that South Africa would continue broadly pro-market policies. Steenhuisen’s departure now risks creating uncertainty about policy direction, potentially denting investor confidence and complicating efforts to advance economic reforms and the country’s recovery.
What Comes Next
The DA must now select a new leader. The choice — and how the party manages internal disputes — will be closely watched by coalition partners, markets and international observers. A smooth transition could preserve the coalition’s stability; a bitter contest could weaken the DA’s influence and amplify political volatility.
Help us improve.
