Key facts
- DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to reshuffle the party's cabinet representation.
- The DA proposed moving John Steenhuisen from agriculture minister to deputy minister of trade, industry, and competition.
- Willie Aucamp is proposed to replace Steenhuisen as agriculture minister.
- The DA has six cabinet posts and several deputy minister roles within the Government of National Unity.
- Other proposed changes include David Maynier for environment minister, Alexandra Abrahams for deputy electricity and energy minister, Yusuf Cassim for deputy minister of higher education and training, and Jack Bloom for deputy minister of w
South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in the governing coalition, has formally requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to alter its representation within the cabinet. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis communicated this request, seeking to transition former party leader John Steenhuisen from his current position as agriculture minister to the role of deputy minister of trade, industry, and competition. The DA, which agreed to six cabinet positions as part of the Government of National Unity coalition, retains the right to propose changes to its appointed ministers. Steenhuisen, who led the DA until April, has faced criticism over his handling of the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The party has put forward current Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp to succeed Steenhuisen as agriculture minister, with the aim of addressing the disease crisis. Other proposed changes include David Maynier as environment minister, Alexandra Abrahams as deputy electricity and energy minister, Yusuf Cassim as deputy minister of higher education and training, and Jack Bloom as deputy minister of water and sanitation.