John Steenhuisen steps down as DA federal leader, citing a stronger party position
via The Citizen3 min read
Outgoing DA federal leader John Steenhuisen announced his departure from the position at the party's elective congress in Johannesburg, stating he leaves the party in a significantly stronger state. Steenhuisen, who took over from Mmusi Maimane in 2019, highlighted that he was entrusted with rebuilding the party, a mandate renewed twice. He noted that in 2019, the DA was polling at 16%, divided, and facing a crisis of confidence, with media proclaiming its demise. Steenhuisen detailed how he navigated the party through the COVID-19 pandemic and a local government election, leading to growth. He emphasized that the DA is now polling close to 30% and, for the first time, co-governs South Africa through a government of national unity. Steenhuisen described this as a "mission accomplished," expressing pride in handing over leadership, asserting the DA is now stronger, larger, more relevant, and influential than ever before, transforming from a regional party to a national force for reform. He offered advice to incoming leaders, stressing the solid foundations built and the timeless values defended, with the mission to become the largest party in South Africa remaining urgent. Steenhuisen expressed gratitude to his staff, family, and DA members, and stated he will now focus on his ministry in government, support the new leadership, and campaign for the party in upcoming local government elections.
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Must ReadThe Constitutional Court ruled on May 8, 2026, that Parliament acted irrationally in December 2022 by rejecting the referral of a Section 89 panel report to an impeachment committee. This decision mandates the National Assembly to establish an impeachment committee, as outlined in Rule 129I, to investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa. The inquiry will focus on three potential grounds for removal: serious violation of the constitution or law, serious misconduct, or inability to perform duties. Key aspects of the investigation will likely include the origin of $580,000 stolen from Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm in February 2020, which he stated was payment for buffaloes to Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa. Questions persist regarding the cash transaction, the non-delivery of the buffaloes, and why the money was not returned. The inquiry will also examine allegations of a cover-up, including the failure to report the burglary to the South African Police Service and the alleged involvement of Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Service, in a cover-up and unlawful cross-border activities. The storage of the cash for 44 days without declaration to the South African Reserve Bank, violating Exchange Control Regulations, will also be scrutinized. Following the committee's report, the National Assembly will vote on removal, requiring a two-thirds majority of 267 votes. The current Government of National Unity, comprising the ANC and its partners, holds 287 seats, indic
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Former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba's defense team has received the state docket in a case involving alleged irregularities at Transnet. Gigaba, along with former Transnet chief financial officer Anoj Singh, former chief executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, and former Transnet Freight Rail chief procurement officer Thamsanqa Jiyane, appeared at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg for a pre-trial conference. The case centers on allegations that tender processes were flouted during the procurement of locomotives between November 2010 and May 2014, resulting in billions of rand in losses for Transnet. The state also alleges that Gigaba accepted undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family during his tenure as minister. Gigaba's attorney, Nicholas Kourie, confirmed that the former minister has secured funding for legal representation after his application for state-funded assistance was refused. The legal team intends to consult with Gigaba to determine whether to file a Request for Further Particulars or submit representations. Procedural matters regarding legal representation have been resolved, and the firm will continue to represent Gigaba. The matter has been postponed to July 10, 2026, for further pre-trial processes.
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