Leading the DA was the honour of a lifetime: Steenhuisen

Outgoing Democratic Alliance Federal Leader John Steenhuisen.

Outgoing Democratic Alliance Federal Leader John Steenhuisen has told party members that leading them has been the greatest privilege of his life.

He previously announced that he would not contest any position in the DA.

Steenhuisen delivered an emotional farewell speech to over 2,000 delegates of the DA’s Federal Congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.

“For anybody who may be wondering what I’ll be doing next, aside from working night and day until we defeat foot-and-mouth disease, I will be doing what I have always done since I first joined this party after high school. I’ll be side by side with all of you in this glorious blue machine, working in the trenches, supporting the next chapter of our history. I love my party. I love my country. And I will continue to serve them both with all of my heart and soul. Thank you.”

WATCH | DA’ John Steenhuisen, says: “For me it is mission accomplished. I hand over the baton of leadership with immense pride and complete confidence. The Democratic Alliance today is stronger, larger, more relevant, and more influential than at any time in its history.” pic.twitter.com/ZbNKAUQUEc

— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 11, 2026

Steenhuisen also urged party members to protect the Government of National Unity and its capacity to unify the country.

He has also warned that a culture which promotes populism, ethnic nationalism, and anti-foreigner incitement is exploiting the country’s problems to drive division.

“The formation of the GNU is precious, and it is historic, and an opportunity to unite those who want to build a better country across all those old dividing lines of race, class, language, and religion. It is an opportunity that we must seize and build upon. We, the people of South Africa, and our government of national unity, are now the torchbearers of the future, keeping the flame alive for a world where difference and diversity are harnessed instead of weaponised.”

LIVE: Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026