DA reshuffle moves Steenhuisen to trade deputy as Aucamp named agriculture minister

According to The Citizen, the Democratic Alliance has reshuffled its Government of National Unity (GNU) responsibilities, moving John Steenhuisen from the role of Minister of Agriculture to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition and appointing Willie Aucamp as Minister of Agriculture. The changes were announced by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.

New responsibilities and priorities

According to The Citizen, Hill-Lewis said Aucamp’s mandate as Minister of Agriculture is to resolve ongoing legal proceedings relating to foot-and-mouth disease, work with the entire sector to overcome the crisis, and restore confidence through accelerated practical steps to bring the crisis under control.

According to The Citizen, Hill-Lewis added that “Minister Aucamp will also further the work of opening new markets to our agricultural products to help grow the economy and create jobs.”

Other portfolio moves

According to The Citizen, David Maynier will take up Aucamp’s previous portfolio of forestry, fisheries and the environment.

According to The Citizen, Steenhuisen will replace Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, where he will focus on expanding market access, supporting industrial growth, improving competitiveness, and working with business and labour to help unlock job creation.

According to The Citizen, Alexandra Abrahams will move to the role of Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy.

According to The Citizen, Yusuf Cassim will be appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, and Jack Bloom will take up the position of Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.

Party framing

According to The Citizen, Hill-Lewis said the changes

“demonstrate the DA’s values in action”

and reflect a belief in accountability in public office, high standards of performance and responsiveness to the needs of South Africans.

What this means

This reshuffle shifts Steenhuisen into a trade-focused deputy role while placing Aucamp at the head of agriculture with a stated mandate to address legal and sectoral challenges relating to foot-and-mouth disease and to pursue expanded market access for agricultural products. Other senior DA figures have also been reassigned to deputy national portfolios, according to The Citizen.