DA Leadership Transition Sparks Speculation Amid Zille-Steenhuisen Relationship

Outgoing DA leader John Steenhuisen denies rift with party chairperson Helen Zille as the opposition party prepares for its federal congress.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Speculation has surfaced regarding internal dynamics within South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) party following the announcement that John Steenhuisen will not seek a third term as party leader. DA federal chairperson Helen Zille has denied reports of a fallout between herself and the outgoing party leader, stating they maintain a positive relationship. Zille was unable to attend Steenhuisen's press briefing in Durban last week where he announced his decision, citing a pre-existing campaign schedule in Johannesburg. Steenhuisen has said his decision is partly motivated by a desire to focus on his responsibilities as minister of agriculture, though some observers believe other factors may be at play, particularly following the recent departure of the party's finance chairperson, Dion George, after reported disagreements with Steenhuisen.

Why it matters

The upcoming DA Federal Congress represents a pivotal moment for the party as it navigates a leadership transition and potentially recalibrates its strategic direction. The choices made during this congress could significantly shape the DA's political positioning in the coming years.

The details

Zille has stated she maintains a positive relationship with Steenhuisen, noting they exchanged four WhatsApp messages the previous day. Steenhuisen announced his decision not to contest another term as DA leader at a press briefing in Durban last week. Zille was unable to attend the briefing due to a pre-existing, intensive campaign schedule in Johannesburg. Steenhuisen has cited his desire to focus on his responsibilities as minister of agriculture as a factor in his decision, though some observers believe other issues may have played a role, particularly following the recent departure of the party's finance chairperson, Dion George, after reported disagreements with Steenhuisen.

  • On February 13, 2026, Steenhuisen announced he will not seek a third term as DA leader.
  • In the two months prior to Steenhuisen's announcement, reports surfaced of a fallout between him and Zille.

The players

Helen Zille

The federal chairperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party in South Africa.

John Steenhuisen

The outgoing leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party in South Africa, who has announced he will not seek a third term.

Dion George

The former finance chairperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party, who resigned shortly before Steenhuisen announced he would not seek re-election.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The upcoming DA Federal Congress will be a pivotal moment for the party as it navigates the leadership transition and potentially recalibrates its strategic direction.

The takeaway

The leadership transition within the DA party has sparked speculation about internal dynamics and the potential impact on the party's future political positioning in South Africa.