Steenhuisen faces demotion as Hill-Lewis proposes a shakeup of the DA cabinet

DA Leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis Calls for Cabinet Reshuffle in Government of National Unity

On Tuesday, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis announced that he had asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to approve a series of changes to the party’s representation in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The proposals follow an internal performance review of DA ministers and aim to strengthen the party’s contribution to the coalition while delivering on the mandate received from 3.5 million voters in the 2024 national elections.

Key Proposed Changes

• John Steenhuisen – moved from Minister of Agriculture to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
• Willie Aucamp – nominated to replace Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture, with a focus on resolving Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease (FMD) legal cases and opening new export markets.
• David Maynier – recommended for the vacant Forestry, Fisheries and Environment portfolio; Maynier would need to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament or appointed under the president’s limited constitutional powers.
• Jack Bloom – tipped for a national role as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
• Yusuf Cassim – proposed to replace Mimmy Gondwe as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

Rationale Behind the Reshuffle

Hill‑Lewis said the changes are rooted in a commitment to accountability, high performance standards, and responsiveness to South Africans’ needs. He highlighted Steenhuisen’s record in expanding market access for agricultural products and advancing FMD vaccine procurement, while noting that Aucamp’s immediate mandate would be to:

1. Resolve ongoing legal disputes related to FMD.
2. Coordinate with the agricultural sector to overcome the disease crisis.
3. Restore confidence through accelerated, practical steps.
4. Pursue new market opportunities to boost economic growth and job creation.

These objectives align with the DA’s broader policy platform of fostering an open society with opportunities for all, a vision Hill‑Lewis reiterated in his statement:

“In every decision I make, no matter how difficult, I seek to advance the realization of an open society with opportunities for all – a society in which every person can lead a worthwhile life.”

Context: The Government of National Unity

The GNU was formed after the 2024 elections as a power‑sharing arrangement between the African National Congress (ANC), the DA, and several smaller parties. It aims to promote stability and inclusive governance in South Africa. DA’s participation in the executive gives the party influence over key portfolios such as agriculture, trade, water, and higher education.

Next Steps

The proposed appointments await President Ramaphosa’s approval. Historically, the presidency has consulted with party leaders before effecting ministerial changes, a process designed to maintain coalition balance. The DA’s internal review, which Hill‑Lewis referenced, involved assessing each minister’s delivery against set performance indicators and stakeholder feedback.

References

• TimesLIVE. “DA leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis proposes major reshuffle of GNU ministers.” Published 26 September 2025. Read article.
• Democratic Alliance. “About the DA.” DA.org.za.
• South African Government. “Government of National Unity.” gov.za.

Article prepared with reference to publicly available statements and official sources. All facts are accurate as of the date of publication.