The Democratic Alliance (DA) has proposed significant changes to its representation in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen set to leave one of the country’s most closely watched portfolios and move into a deputy ministerial role.
The proposed changes, announced by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, have been submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa for consideration. According to the party, the reshuffle is intended to strengthen the DA’s contribution to national governance while responding to the expectations of the 3.5 million voters who supported the party in the 2024 elections.
If approved, Willie Aucamp will become the new Minister of Agriculture, replacing Steenhuisen, who would move to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition as deputy minister.
Agriculture portfolio faces growing pressure
The agriculture portfolio has been under increasing scrutiny in recent months as South Africa continues to battle outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), a challenge that has affected livestock producers, export markets and investor confidence.
While the DA acknowledged Steenhuisen’s role in expanding export opportunities for South African agricultural products and improving access to FMD vaccines, the party believes new leadership is required to address ongoing challenges.
Aucamp’s immediate priority will be resolving legal disputes related to FMD regulations and working with industry stakeholders to restore confidence in the agricultural sector. The DA said he will also continue efforts to secure additional international markets for South African exports.
The reshuffle comes shortly after a Pretoria High Court ruling that found against Steenhuisen and several state institutions in a case concerning private access to FMD vaccines. The court ruled that farmers should be permitted to source vaccines from lawful importers and manufacturers rather than relying exclusively on state-controlled procurement channels.
The judgment was welcomed by agricultural organisations, with the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) describing the outcome as an important victory for livestock and game farmers across the country.
Broader changes across key government departments
The proposed reshuffle extends beyond agriculture and includes several departments considered vital to South Africa’s economic growth and service delivery goals.
David Maynier has been nominated as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. A long-serving public representative with experience in both Parliament and the Western Cape Government, Maynier is expected to bring extensive governance experience to the national executive.
Steenhuisen’s proposed move to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition reflects the DA’s intention to leverage his experience in expanding international market access. In his new role, he would focus on industrial growth, economic competitiveness and job creation initiatives in partnership with business and labour groups.
Alexandra Abrahams has been nominated as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, a portfolio that remains central to South Africa’s efforts to improve energy security and support economic expansion. The country has made significant progress in reducing load shedding over the past two years, but energy reform remains a critical policy priority.
Additional appointments include Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training and veteran Gauteng legislator Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
Hill-Lewis said the changes reflect the DA’s commitment to accountability, performance and responsive government. He argued that the reshuffle would better position the party to contribute to the GNU while advancing economic growth and improved public service delivery.
The proposed appointments now await consideration by President Ramaphosa, whose administration continues to balance the interests of multiple parties within South Africa’s coalition-style Government of National Unity.
Source: The Citizen