South Africa: Geordin Hill-Lewis Demands John Steenhuisen's Removal From Agriculture Ministry

Geordin Hill-Lewis, the current leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA), has formally requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove John Steenhuisen from his cabinet position as agriculture minister. Hill-Lewis, who replaced Steenhuisen in April, is proposing significant changes to the party's ministerial representation within the coalition government.

The DA holds six cabinet posts and several deputy minister roles following the 2024 general elections, which saw no single party secure a parliamentary majority. While Ramaphosa has not yet commented on the demand, observers anticipate his approval.

Hill-Lewis's push for Steenhuisen's removal is widely understood to stem from the former minister's management of a recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The outbreak severely impacted South Africa's livestock industry, drawing widespread criticism from farmers who accused Steenhuisen of failing to contain its spread. Additionally, Steenhuisen faced a financial scandal, which reportedly influenced his decision not to seek re-election as party leader.

In a public statement, Hill-Lewis advocated for Willie Aucamp to assume the agriculture portfolio, with an