S teenhuisen, who took over the party in 2019 during a turbulent period, said his decision was deliberate and forward-looking. While stepping away from party leadership, he made it clear that his political journey is far from over, pledging to focus his full attention on his role in national government — particularly the fight against foot-and-mouth disease, which continues to threaten the agricultural sector.

“This is not the end of the DA, and certainly not the end of me,” Steenhuisen said, framing his departure as a handover rather than a retreat.

Under his leadership, the DA stabilised after internal divisions, regained electoral momentum, and achieved a historic breakthrough by entering national government following the 2024 general election. The party also played a key role in coordinating opposition cooperation ahead of that poll — a move widely seen as pivotal in reshaping South Africa’s political landscape.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was among senior party figures to publicly praise Steenhuisen’s legacy, describing his tenure as one of the most consequential in the DA’s history. He credited Steenhuisen with restoring focus, driving growth, and positioning the party as a serious governing force.

“John leaves the DA stronger than he found it,” Hill-Lewis said, calling on party members to build on the foundations laid over the past six years.

Steenhuisen’s announcement opens the door to a leadership contest ahead of the DA’s next federal congress, where the party will decide who takes over at a time when it must balance governing responsibilities with its identity as a reform-driven alternative in South African politics.

As the DA looks to its next chapter, Steenhuisen’s departure marks both an end and a transition — closing a defining era while setting the stage for new leadership to shape the party’s future.