Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is widely expected to withdraw from the party’s ongoing leadership contest, with a formal announcement anticipated on Wednesday morning.
Speculation about his future intensified after Steenhuisen addressed the matter on social media, urging caution. “Until you see me outlining the full set of facts tomorrow, avoid speculation,” he wrote on X.
DA spokesperson Charity McCord said the party would not comment at this stage but confirmed that an official statement would be made soon.
The development comes ahead of the DA’s federal conference scheduled for April 2026, where party leadership positions are set to be contested.
Steenhuisen has led the party since 2019, steering it through national elections and into its current role within the country’s coalition government. However, he has faced mounting internal pressure in recent months, reportedly linked to policy disagreements within the coalition and concerns surrounding his personal finances.
His expected withdrawal could reshape the race for the party’s top position and open the field to new contenders as the DA prepares for its next leadership chapter.