A leadership exit that fuels political debate

John Steenhuisen’s decision to step back from the leadership race at the Democratic Alliance’s upcoming elective conference has ignited fresh political sparring and the ANC is wasting no time weighing in.

ANC Gauteng task team co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi believes the move is more than a personal career decision. Speaking at the ANC’s January 8 celebrations in Soweto, he framed Steenhuisen’s exit as evidence of deepening divisions inside the DA, particularly over whether the party truly belongs in government.

GNU tensions bubbling beneath the surface

Lesufi’s remarks come against the backdrop of South Africa’s first Government of National Unity (GNU) since democracy formed after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general elections.

While the ANC suffered its worst electoral showing since 1994, it still emerged as the single largest party. That reality, Lesufi reminded supporters, placed the ANC firmly in the driver’s seat when coalition talks began.

According to him, the GNU was not imposed on the ANC it was initiated by the ANC.

A partnership marked by friction

Since joining the GNU, the DA has frequently clashed with its governing partners, particularly over policy and legislation. Court challenges to transformation laws and a high-profile rejection of the fiscal framework in Parliament have underscored how uneasy the alliance remains.

Lesufi warned that this pattern of resistance could ultimately cost the DA its place in government.

His message was blunt: parties cannot oppose government policy while simultaneously enjoying the benefits of governing power.

“Two DAs, one identity crisis”

In Lesufi’s reading, Steenhuisen’s departure from the leadership race exposes a party torn in two.

On one side, he suggested, is a DA rooted in opposition politics, symbolised by long-time federal chair Helen Zille. On the other, a faction willing to govern alongside the ANC a space Steenhuisen has occupied since becoming Minister of Agriculture.

Lesufi argued that voters deserve clarity.

A party, he said, cannot straddle government and opposition without confusing its mandate.

How the DA sees it

The DA has rejected the notion that Steenhuisen’s decision signals turmoil. Instead, the party has praised his six-year tenure, crediting him with stabilising the organisation and achieving what previous leaders could not: entry into national government.

Steenhuisen himself has said his focus will now shift fully to his ministerial responsibilities a move that some political observers see as an attempt to separate governance from internal party battles.

Public reaction: strategy or surrender?

Online reaction has been mixed. Supporters argue Steenhuisen is choosing governance over party politics at a critical time. Critics, however, echo Lesufi’s claim that the DA is struggling to define its identity inside the GNU.

The debate reflects a broader question facing coalition politics in South Africa: can long-time opposition parties govern without losing their edge?

ANC turns inward, cautiously

Lesufi also used the occasion to urge unity within ANC ranks ahead of its own provincial conference in May. His comments come amid controversy over alleged voting irregularities linked to a Johannesburg regional conference allegations that have been denied by the independent election management company involved.

He insisted upcoming ANC gatherings should focus on ideas and renewal, not factional battles.

For Lesufi, the lesson is clear: while opposition parties wrestle with identity, the ANC intends to regroup, recalibrate and reassert itself.

Steenhuisen’s exit may not end the DA’s internal debate, but it has sharpened it. As the GNU continues to test old political loyalties, both the ANC and DA face the same question how to govern together without tearing themselves apart.

{Source: IOL}

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