The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sent proposed changes to its representatives in the National Executive to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party has proposed that former party leader, John Steenhuisen, be demoted to the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, replacing Alexandra Abrahams.
He was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture in July 2024.
John Steenhuisen’s run as the Minister of Agriculture is set to end. His tenure as the Minister was marred by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease crisis which was declared a national disaster.
He also faced legal battle with farmers over access to vaccines.
“So, while we are busy rolling out the nationally, fully funded vaccination programme, we know that our commercial partners need the flexibility to take their livestock right now,” said Steenhuisen in response to the farmers.
The party wants him to be replaced by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp.
Aucamp became in charge of this department in November last year after the axing of former Minister Dr Dion George.
Party leader Goerdin Hill-Lewis says these new changes follow a careful assessment of its members in the Government of National Unity.
“The DA does not believe that positions are entitlements. DA representatives who serve in government do so to advance our mission of growing the economy, creating jobs, fighting corruption, and delivering services to all South Africans.”
The Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier is set to return to Parliament.
Maynier was a MP from 2009 until 2019 and he once tabled a motion against state capture.
“We have to stand up against the state capture because it undermines the rule of law. We have to stand up against state capture because it undermines public trust in independent institutions. We have to stand up against state capture because it undermines the legitimacy of democracy,” he said at the time.
The Presidency has confirmed receiving request regarding changes to the national executive affecting DA members and says President Ramaphosa will make an announcement in due course.
VIDEO | The presidency has confirmed that it received DA’s request to demote Steenhuisen:
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