The National Leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen, has confirmed that he will not seek re-election to lead the liberal party for the third time, stating that he was doing so with a clean heart.
Speaking at a media briefing in Durban on Wednesday, Steenhuisen said he will now focus fully on his role as Minister of Agriculture, particularly on combating the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting the country.
He said it would not be ideal for him to split his time between fighting an internal party election, fighting the disease and also preparing for the upcoming local government elections, hence the decision to step aside.
“It has been the honour of a lifetime to lead our party to the top of the Union Building steps. And I want to thank every public representative, every staff member and every activist. For three elective congresses I placed my trust in you and you in me.
I told you we would land our Moonshot and keep out the Doomsday Coalition.
And today, I simply say: mission accomplished.
“From right here in Durban – not far from where I first climbed the steps to the council chambers 27 years ago – I today announce that I will not seek re-election for a third term as DA Federal Leader at the party’s upcoming Federal Congress.
I do so with a full heart, knowing that I have accomplished my DA Moonshot mission, and that my work in government now requires me to similarly pour my heart and soul into defeating foot-and-mouth disease.I also do so in the knowledge that I hand over the reins to a fundamentally healthier party than the one I inherited.
Instead of 16%, the DA is now consistently polling at 30%, and is within striking distance of becoming the biggest political party in South Africa. The next duly-elected DA leader can rely on my full support and will be given the space to lead the party as they see fit.
For the true test of whether you love a thing, is the ability to let it go when the time is right.
I have loved leading the DA, which is why today I let it go with a smile on my face and triumphant peace in my heart,” he said and left the venue without taking media questions.
At the same press conference, Steenhuisen said he was proud that under his leadership, the DA got to power via the government of national unity (GNU) and the government of provincial unity in KwaZulu-Natal, thwarting a move that could have seen the MK Party becoming part of what he called the “doomsday coalition.”
He also said he was happy that during his tenure, he groomed bright leaders like Chris Pappas, the Mayor of Umngeni in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and Siviwe Gwarube, the Minister of Basic Education, amongst others.
