The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced a significant reshuffle of its representatives in the Government of National Unity (GNU), with party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis confirming changes to both Cabinet and deputy ministerial positions.
In a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Hill-Lewis said the changes followed a review of the DA’s performance in government and were aimed at strengthening the party’s contribution to the GNU.
“It is my judgement that the renewed team announced today will strengthen the DA’s contribution to government and give better effect to the mandate received from 3.5 million voters in the 2024 elections,” Hill-Lewis announced on Wednesday
The appointments are expected to take effect once formally processed by the Presidency. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Hill-Lewis formally requested the changes to the DA’s GNU representation on Monday, both telephonically and in writing to Ramaphosa.
The most notable change sees Willie Aucamp replacing John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture.
Hill-Lewis announced Steenhuisen will move to the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Steenhuisen’s departure from Agriculture comes amid ongoing tensions with agricultural and farming groups over the government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.
The minister has faced criticism from parts of the sector over his handling of the crisis, while his department is currently involved in legal proceedings relating to its vaccination campaign.
Aucamp, a farmer by profession, joined Cabinet in 2025 after Steenhuisen removed Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Hill-Lewis credited Steenhuisen with expanding market access for South African agricultural products and helping drive efforts to secure and distribute vaccines to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) during his tenure.
However, he said Aucamp’s immediate priority would be addressing the ongoing FMD crisis, including resolving legal disputes linked to the outbreak and restoring confidence in the agricultural sector.
“Minister Aucamp’s immediate mandate is to resolve ongoing legal proceedings relating to FMD, to work with the entire sector to overcome the crisis and restore confidence through accelerated practical steps to bring the crisis under control,” Hill-Lewis said.
Aucamp will also be tasked with further expanding export opportunities for South African agricultural products as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
With Steenhuisen remaining in the GNU, taking up a new role as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Hill-Lewis said Steenhuisen will focus on building on the trade relationships established during his time in Agriculture while supporting industrial growth, competitiveness and job creation initiatives.
Another key appointment sees David Maynier move into national government as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Hill-Lewis described Maynier as a seasoned public representative who had served with distinction in both Parliament and the Western Cape Government.
“He has had a distinguished career leading frontline portfolios in the National Assembly and the Western Cape Government, and I have every faith in his ability to make a positive impact in the national Cabinet,” he said.
The reshuffle also affects several deputy ministerial positions.
Alexandra Abrahams has been moved from Trade, Industry and Competition to become Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, a portfolio regarded as central to South Africa’s economic recovery and growth ambitions.
Hill-Lewis said Abrahams would bring a reform-driven approach to the position.
“She brings tenacity, discipline and a reform-minded approach to one of the country’s most crucial growth portfolios,” he said.
The DA has also nominated Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Cassim previously served on Parliament’s Higher Education Portfolio Committee and has longstanding involvement in student politics.
Veteran Gauteng legislator Jack Bloom has been appointed Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
Hill-Lewis described Bloom as a long-serving advocate for accountability and good governance, bringing decades of experience from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to a department that continues to face major infrastructure and service delivery challenges.
The reshuffle comes at a politically significant moment for the DA as it seeks to sharpen its role within the GNU while simultaneously positioning itself ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The party has increasingly sought to demonstrate tangible influence within government while differentiating itself from its GNU partners on issues ranging from accountability and governance to economic reform and service delivery.