Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has publicly addressed speculation that he may be stepping down or exiting the party’s leadership ahead of the upcoming federal congress.
Steenhuisen said people should avoid speculation about his future until he lays out all the facts in an official announcement. He posted on social media that until his full statement is made, rumours about him leaving or not running again should not be taken as fact.
The announcement was expected after the DA issued a notice about an address of “national importance” to be made in his hometown of Durban.
Some media reports had suggested this was linked to him withdrawing from the leadership race.
Steenhuisen has led the DA since 2019 and has survived previous leadership challenges. While insiders have told some outlets that he may be reconsidering standing for another term, Steenhuisen himself has asked the public to wait for his official comments before drawing conclusions.
The DA’s federal congress is scheduled for April 2026, and the leadership question remains one of the key issues ahead of the event.
