John Steenhusien, leader of the South African opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA), addresses a press conference in Durban on February 4, 2026.
DURBAN - DA leader John Steenhuisen's planned exit has elicited mixed responses in and out of his party.
He announced in his hometown of Durban.
Steenhuisen says he has accomplished his mission as DA leader.
“I today announced that I will not seek reelection for a third term as the DA federal leader at the party's upcoming Federal Congress. And I do so with a full heart knowing that I've accomplished my DA Moonshot mission,” Steenhuisen said.
READ: Tough times ahead for DA as leadership race kicks off - analysts
Steenhuisen will now shift his full attention to the role of Agriculture Minister.
He has been criticised for his handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
READ: From sidelines to power: Steenhuisen reflects on DA leadership
Former DA federal finance chairperson Dion George - who has been vocal since his exit from the DA - believes the party's leader must go now.
While DA KZN Leader Francois Rodgers says Steenhuisen made a noble decision.
The DA's federal congress is scheduled for April.
Steenhuisen's exclusion from the leadership race is seen as a bid by the party to remove perceptions that it is in disarray ahead of local government elections later this year.
Claiming to be polling at historically high levels, the DA is seeking to win over voters disillusioned with the poor performance of the ANC.
READ: ‘It’s mission accomplished’, says Steenhuisen as he exits DA leadership race
The ANC was forced to seek coalition partners after it lost its 30-year majority in the 2024 national elections, accused of incompetent and corrupt governance.
The DA runs the Western Cape and its capital city, Cape Town, is seen as among the better-managed municipalities in the country.
- Additional reporting by AFP