Just two months after taking over as leader of the Democratic Alliance, Geordin Hill-Lewis has unveiled a major reshuffle of the party’s representation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), removing John Steenhuisen from one of the coalition’s most prominent Cabinet portfolios.
The changes, formally communicated to President Cyril Ramaphosa, represent the most significant restructuring of the DA’s executive team since the party joined the GNU following the 2024 general election.
The reshuffle follows months of criticism surrounding the handling of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, a crisis that has affected livestock producers and become a major political challenge for the Agriculture Ministry.
Steenhuisen Demoted to Deputy Minister Position
Under the new arrangements, Steenhuisen will leave the Agriculture Ministry and assume the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
The move marks a significant political setback for the former DA leader, who played a central role in negotiating the party’s participation in the GNU and served as one of the coalition government’s most recognisable ministers.
Steenhuisen stepped down as DA leader earlier this year, making way for Hill-Lewis to take over the party’s top position.
While the DA has not publicly characterised the move as a demotion, political observers view it as a clear shift in responsibility away from one of the party’s highest-profile portfolios.
Willie Aucamp Takes Over Agriculture Portfolio
The Agriculture Ministry will now be led by Willie Aucamp, who previously served as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
According to the DA, Aucamp’s immediate priority will be addressing the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis and restoring confidence within the agricultural sector.
The party says he has been tasked with:
- Resolving ongoing legal disputes linked to FMD policies.
- Engaging farming organisations and industry stakeholders.
- Accelerating measures aimed at controlling the outbreak.
- Rebuilding trust within the agricultural sector.
The livestock disease outbreak has emerged as one of the most significant agricultural challenges facing South Africa in recent years, with concerns about export markets, livestock movement restrictions and financial losses for farmers.
Broader DA Cabinet Changes Announced
The reshuffle extends beyond the Agriculture Ministry.
The DA has also proposed several other changes to its GNU deployment:
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
David Maynier is expected to move from provincial government into national office as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Energy and Electricity
Alexandra Abrahams will become Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, replacing Samantha Graham-Maré, who exits the executive.
Water and Sanitation
Jack Bloom will enter government as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
Higher Education
Yusuf Cassim is expected to replace Mimmy Gondwe as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Accountability Message from New Leadership
The reshuffle is widely viewed as Hill-Lewis’s first major test as DA leader.
Since taking over the party leadership in April, he has repeatedly emphasised performance, accountability and governance standards as central pillars of his leadership approach.
In announcing the changes, Hill-Lewis said the revamped team would strengthen the DA’s contribution to the GNU and better position the party to address pressing national challenges.
Political analysts suggest the move sends a strong message that ministerial performance will face closer scrutiny under the new leadership.
What It Means for the GNU
As the second-largest party in South Africa’s coalition government, the DA controls six ministerial positions and six deputy ministerial roles.
The reshuffle demonstrates the party’s willingness to make changes within its executive ranks while remaining committed to its role in the GNU.
For the agriculture sector, attention will now turn to whether new leadership can resolve the ongoing FMD crisis and repair strained relationships with farming organisations.
For Steenhuisen, the move marks a dramatic shift in his political trajectory, from DA leader and Cabinet heavyweight to a deputy ministerial role within a restructured executive team.
Whether the changes deliver the results Hill-Lewis is seeking will likely become clearer in the months ahead as the new ministerial team begins implementing its priorities.
