Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis is set to make sweeping changes to the party’s representation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen expected to be removed from his position and reassigned to a junior role, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Multiple sources within government and the DA confirmed that Hill-Lewis has submitted a proposal to President Cyril Ramaphosa outlining a reshuffle of the party’s ministers and deputy ministers.
A senior government source said the DA’s federal council was expected to be briefed on the proposed changes before they are formally communicated.
“The federal council is being informed of the adjustments. Once that process is concluded, the changes will be communicated through the appropriate channels,” the source said.
The most notable move would see Steenhuisen replaced as Minister of Agriculture by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp.
Steenhuisen, who stepped down as DA leader in April after mounting pressure within the party, would reportedly be redeployed as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
A source close to the discussions said Hill-Lewis had been assessing the performance of the agriculture portfolio since taking over the party leadership.
“There was a view that more decisive action was needed in dealing with the foot-and-mouth disease crisis and its impact on the livestock industry. The leadership wanted to see measurable progress over the past two months before making a decision,” the source said.
The proposed changes are also expected to affect several other positions within the DA’s GNU contingent.
According to sources, Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier is being lined up to replace Aucamp at Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, while Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Alexandra Abrahams is expected to move to the Energy and Electricity portfolio.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity Samantha Graham-Maré is reportedly set to leave the executive as part of the reshuffle.
In another significant change, DA Gauteng health spokesperson Jack Bloom is expected to be appointed Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, replacing Isaac Seitlholo.
Meanwhile, Deputy Higher Education Minister Mimmy Gondwe could be replaced by DA Eastern Cape chairperson Yusuf Cassim.
A government source said Aucamp has already been briefed on the challenges facing the agriculture department should his appointment be confirmed.
“He has been told that the foot-and-mouth disease issue will require immediate attention, particularly ongoing legal matters related to vaccine policy and engagement with organised agriculture,” the source said.
The DA is the second-largest party in the GNU and currently holds six ministerial and six deputy ministerial positions.
While neither the Presidency nor the DA had officially confirmed the proposed changes by Wednesday morning, insiders said the reshuffle reflected Hill-Lewis’s determination to put his stamp on the party’s leadership team in government and strengthen accountability across key portfolios.