By S’thembile Cele.
The leader of South Africa’s second-biggest political party plans to step down from the position when it holds internal elections in two months’ time.
John Steenhuisen, who has headed the Democratic Alliance since 2019, won’t stand for another term at the party’s elective conference in April, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified as the information isn’t public. A formal announcement is expected to be made on Wednesday, they said.
Steenhuisen, 49, has faced growing pressure internally to quit amid differences over policy choices within the nation’s coalition government. His departure would pave the way for Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to stand as party leader.
Steenhuisen, who also serves as South Africa’s agriculture minister, said he was unable to comment on whether he’ll run for the party leadership position before nominations for the post open on February 24.
Hill-Lewis, 39, said in an interview on Monday that he would “very seriously” consider running if Steenhuisen didn’t stand, but wouldn’t join the national cabinet.
He’s previously said he’ll support the DA’s continued participation in the so-called government of national unity, though the terms of engagement would have to be improved upon.