‘Agriculture Needs a Reset’: DA Rifts Deepen as Ivan Meyer Emerges as Successor to Steenhuisen

Internal tensions within the Democratic Alliance are intensifying ahead of the party’s April federal congress, with senior leaders coalescing around Western Cape Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer as a possible successor to John Steenhuisen in the national agriculture portfolio .

Several party figures say momentum is building for a broader reshuffle of the DA’s cabinet positions in the Government of National Unity, driven largely by dissatisfaction with the handling of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak and concerns about the party’s credibility among farming communities .

The FMD Factor

The outbreak, which has disrupted livestock movement and unsettled export markets, has become a focal point for internal criticism. The disease has now spread to at least eight of South Africa’s nine provinces, with 138 confirmed cases in North West alone as of mid-February . Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, the epicentre of the outbreak, report devastating lossesone commercial farmer saw milk production plummet from 14,000 litres per day to 9,000 within days of infection .

Insiders argue the crisis has dented confidence in the agriculture department and weakened Steenhuisen’s standing, particularly after he confirmed he would not seek a third term as DA federal leader .

One senior party leader told the Mail & Guardian that there is now “broad agreement that agriculture needs a reset,” arguing the response to FMD had harmed the party’s reputation. “It’s no longer a Western Cape idea; there is broad agreement that Steenhuisen’s handling of the FMD outbreak cost the party its excellent reputation,” the leader said .

Steenhuisen Defends Record

Steenhuisen has defended the department’s response, noting the outbreak predates his tenure and pointing to improved coordination with provinces. He also acknowledged the strain on producers, saying: “To our farmers who have watched their livelihoods disappear before their eyes, I hear you,” while pledging that the government would “stop at nothing” to eradicate the disease .

Despite this, farmers and industry bodies remain uneasy. AgriSA chief executive Johann Kotzé warned of “the cumulative economic impact” if the outbreak is not swiftly brought under control, particularly for rural towns reliant on livestock .

One Limpopo farmer, Livhuwani Tshikona, expressed dissatisfaction: “We understand that foot and mouth is not new but once you’re the minister, it’s your responsibility to contain it. We can’t keep hearing that it started before you arrived” .

Controversial Decision

Steenhuisen’s handling of the crisis drew further criticism when he removed veteran livestock expert Dr Danie Odendaal from the ministerial task team. Odendaal, who had served on FMD task teams since 2016, was informed his membership was terminated after he publicly expressed concerns about the government’s vaccine strategy and response pace .

The Freedom Front Plus criticised the decision. FF Plus MP Dr Wynand Boshoff said: “For decades, Odendaal has been someone who spoke and acted on infectious diseases with authority. Terminating his membership deals a severe blow to taking effective action against the disease” .

Meyer Emerges as Frontrunner

Within DA structures, Meyer is increasingly seen as the frontrunner to assume the portfolio once a new party leader is elected. Supporters cite his academic backgroundhe holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Stellenbosch Universityand his experience as Western Cape Agriculture MEC, saying he could help rebuild confidence with producers and export partners .

Sources across Gauteng, North West and Limpopo confirmed that Meyer’s candidacy has been discussed in provincial forums. One provincial executive member described the conversation as “moving quickly” .

Meyer currently serves as the DA’s federal chairperson, a position he was elected to in 2023, and has extensive government experience, having previously served as Western Cape Minister of Finance and Minister of Social Development .

The Hill-Lewis Factor

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is widely expected to win the DA leadership in April. Several insiders said the outcome was effectively settled, with provincial backing consolidating behind him .

A former senior party leader told the African News Agency that “Geordin Hill-Lewis has always been the heir to the throne and was groomed for this by [Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille]. Anyone who contests him is going to lose badly” .

The anticipated leadership shift has accelerated cabinet calculations. According to multiple sources, Steenhuisen’s supporters inside federal structures are facing pressure to align with Hill-Lewis’s slate or risk losing influence in the new configuration .

Wider Implications

The proposed reshuffle could also affect other DA ministers in the Government of National Unity, including Siviwe Gwarube (Basic Education), Dean Macpherson (Public Works and Infrastructure), Leon Schreiber (Home Affairs), Willie Aucamp (Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), and Solly Malatsi (Communications and Digital Technologies) .

Political analysts warn that Steenhuisen’s decision to step down as party leader weakens his position. Professor Kedibone Phago of North-West University argued: “Stepping down as DA leader in order to focus on being a minister actually weakens his position. Without control over the party, he won’t have influence over who serves in government and he can easily be reshuffled” .

Another analyst, Dr Levy Ndou, said South Africa’s political dynamics make it difficult for non-party leaders to retain senior executive roles. “I don’t see him remaining a minister if he is no longer part of the top leadership. In South African politics, cabinet positions are typically reserved for party leaders” .

Party Response

Publicly, the DA has sought to downplay talk of succession. Spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said the party would not entertain succession conversations before the congress commences. “We released communication earlier this month to thank him for his leadership. He remains the leader until the next one is elected in April. So, there is no need to have a post mortem of a living body” .

Steenhuisen’s spokesperson Charity McCord rejected suggestions of plots to oust him, saying the matter was “based on speculation” .

One federal council member described the shift as inevitable, adding: “Congress changes the centre of power, after that, adjustments happen” .

While Steenhuisen remains minister of agriculture as containment efforts continue, inside the party the calculation has moved beyond whether there will be change to when it will happen .

{Source: IOL}

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