In brief
In a surprising move, Geordin Hill‑Lewis, who has led the Democratic Alliance since April, has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace John Steenhuisen as the country’s agriculture minister. The request stems from criticism of Steenhuisen’s response to the recent foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak that devastated South Africa’s livestock sector. Hill‑Lewis proposes a reshuffle that includes appointing Willie Aucamp and other deputies to key ministries. The change reflects tighter DA control over its cabinet representation in Ramaphosa’s coalition government, where the party holds six ministerial posts. Whether Ramaphosa will act remains undecided, but the request signals shifting power dynamics within the coalition.
Geordin Hill‑Lewis, who took over the Democratic Alliance (DA) presidency in April, has formally requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa sacked former Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen. The move follows a wave of criticism over Steenhuisen’s handling of the very‑recent foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak that hit the country’s livestock industry.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hill‑Lewis said he wanted an “immediate mandate” for the appointment of Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister to address ongoing legal proceedings related to the outbreak. He added that several other deputy ministers—David Maynier, Alexandra Abrahams, Yusuf Cassim, and Jack Bloom—would also see their portfolios realigned.
The DA currently controls six ministerial positions within President Ramaphosa’s cabinet, with several caucus members serving as deputies. As the country’s second‑biggest party, it has been in a coalition with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since the 2024 general election, which did not produce a parliamentary majority.
Hill‑Lewis’s call for a cabinet reshuffle comes not only from the agricultural crisis but also from a recent financial scandal that hurt Steenhuisen’s reputation and led to his decision not to seek a third term as party leader. Despite this, Steenhuisen remains a senior figure; he was nominated for deputy minister of trade and industry—a significant demotion—following the coalition rearrangement.
Ramaphosa has yet to give a comment on the request. Historical context shows Hill‑Lewis has been known to review the performance of DA appointees; he warned that “no one is entitled to any office or position.” Whether the president will comply remains to be seen, but the early announcement reflects a swift shift in coalition dynamics.
For more details on the coalition and election results, see BBC Africa news and related coverage.
