Story perspectives

DA Leader Calls for Agriculture Minister Swap Amid Outbreak

6/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Democratic Alliance’s new leader demanded the removal of his predecessor from the agriculture portfolio.
Geordin Hill-Lewis asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen with Forestry Minister Willie Aucamp and move Steenhuisen to deputy trade minister.
The DA secured twelve cabinet posts in the Government of National Unity formed after the June 2024 election.
Steenhuisen’s tenure as agriculture minister has been dominated by a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has drawn criticism from farmers.
Ramaphosa has not yet responded to the DA’s request.
Political analysts noted the move may help the DA appear responsive to farmers ahead of upcoming local elections.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 South Africa’s election gave the ANC 63% of the vote and left the opposition with few seats. The ANC’s dominance ended in the 2024 election, when it lost its majority. Now DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis urges President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen with Forestry Minister Willie Aucamp, a move echoing 1994 tactics to improve the DA before June 2024 local elections.

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Story summary

The Democratic Alliance’s new leader demanded the removal of his predecessor from the agriculture portfolio.
Geordin Hill-Lewis asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen with Forestry Minister Willie Aucamp and move Steenhuisen to deputy trade minister.
The DA secured twelve cabinet posts in the Government of National Unity formed after the June 2024 election.
Steenhuisen’s tenure as agriculture minister has been dominated by a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has drawn criticism from farmers.
Ramaphosa has not yet responded to the DA’s request.
Political analysts noted the move may help the DA appear responsive to farmers ahead of upcoming local elections.

1 / 2