Democratic Alliance chief, John Steenhuisen. Picture: Delwyn Verasamy
Outgoing Democratic Alliance chief John Steenhuisen on Saturday delivered his ultimate handle as social gathering chief on the DA’s federal congress in Midrand, telling delegates he was stepping down whereas leaving the organisation “intact”.
Talking on the Gallagher Conference Centre forward of the management vote, Steenhuisen described the second as “bittersweet” as he formally handed over the reins after almost seven years on the helm of South Africa’s second-largest social gathering.
“It’s a bittersweet second as I hand over the reins of the DA,” Steenhuisen mentioned. “That is the primary time I’m not on the poll, however a minimum of I’m leaving an intact organisation.”
The federal congress, which opened on Saturday, is predicted to elect a brand new federal chief and different senior workplace bearers as delegates collect from throughout the nation for the social gathering’s two-day convention in Midrand.
Steenhuisen, who took over the DA management in 2019 following the resignation of Mmusi Maimane, mentioned the congress would usher in a youthful era of leaders.
“That may be very important. Many of the DA’s incoming management are of their early 40s; they will kind a bridge between the social gathering and the voters,” he mentioned.
In his farewell remarks, Steenhuisen additionally struck an emotional tone, telling delegates: “I like this social gathering.”
His exit from the management comes after he introduced earlier this yr that he wouldn’t search a 3rd time period.
Steenhuisen stays within the Authorities of Nationwide Unity as Minister of Agriculture and is predicted to proceed serving within the cupboard after stepping down as social gathering chief.
He mentioned the end result of the congress would offer course on the DA’s mandate throughout the GNU. “The congress this weekend will give clear course on the social gathering’s mandate within the authorities of nationwide unity.”
Steenhuisen additionally used the event to emphasize unity throughout the social gathering because it enters a management transition. “I say it’s higher to steer the entire social gathering as a substitute of only a faction,” he mentioned.
The brand new management is predicted to additionally resolve on whether or not Steenhuisen will maintain his job following the backlash he confronted for the way he handled the foot-and-mouth illness.
The congress is being intently watched because the DA prepares for the 2026 native authorities elections and a change on the high of each the federal management and federal council constructions.
Steenhuisen’s ultimate speech drew applause from social gathering members gathered on the venue, formally bringing to an in depth his tenure as federal chief.
