Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
04 February 2026

📸 Steenhuisen steps aside but the DA’s succession battle is only just beginning.

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) announcement that leader John Steenhuisen is stepping aside, declaring “the job is done” after ushering the party into government, has sparked fresh debate over whether this is a dignified exit or a strategic retreat shaped by internal pressure.

Political analyst Sandile Swana, speaking to Radio Islam International, suggested Steenhuisen’s departure may be less about celebration and more about protection.

“The sponsors the billionaires and tycoons behind the DA as well as the elders of the DA have given him an invisible golden parachute,” Swana said, arguing that circumstances linked to Steenhuisen’s conduct may have forced the party’s hand.

Swana compared the moment to previous DA transitions, including former leader Tony Leon, who “stepped aside only to become the ambassador to Argentina.” In his view, Steenhuisen’s upbeat tone did not reflect major political achievements but rather the comfort of knowing he remains supported. “His spirits were high because of the golden parachute,” he said, adding that Steenhuisen could “pop up as an ambassador to Thailand or some other place.”

While the DA often presents itself as stable and unified, Swana rejected the idea that the party is without internal division.

“We all have to agree that there’s no such thing as a united DA,” he said, noting that splits, coalitions and leadership battles are part of South Africa’s broader political DNA.

He argued that the DA’s internal shift is also connected to wider global politics, including the rise of right-wing movements. Swana claimed there is pressure for the DA to become “more assertive” and ensure the ANC in the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains “under the thumb… under the leash and controlled by the right-wing.”

He further suggested that Steenhuisen’s removal is linked to the party’s longer-term agenda, including foreign policy positioning.

“The current move by the DA is to turn South Africa away from Iran, away from China, away from BRICS into much more favourable terms with Israel and the USA,” Swana said.

According to him, the Western Cape is central to that vision, describing it as a potential “head office” for closer alignment with the West including strategic military considerations around Simon’s Town.

Attention has now shifted to the succession battle, with names such as Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emerging. Swana believes the outcome is already largely decided, with Helen Zille playing a decisive role.

“Helen Zille is probably the super boss of South African politics,” he said, adding that she has likely endorsed Hill-Lewis.

Swana said the DA’s next leader will be expected to maintain a “business friendly business subordinate” political direction both within the DA and in its relationship with the ANC.