Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has proposed changes to the party's representation in the Government of National Unity, including the redeployment of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the appointment of Willie Aucamp as Minister of Agriculture.
The recommendations, submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa, still require presidential approval before they can take effect. In a statement on Wednesday, Hill-Lewis said he had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa following a "careful assessment of the DA's team in the Government of National Unity".
Steenhuisen would be deployed to replace Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
In his new role, Steenhuisen would focus on "expanding market access, and now adding new areas of work in supporting industrial growth, improving competitiveness, and working with business and labour to help unlock job creation", Hill-Lewis said.
During his tenure Steenhuisen had "spearheaded the expansion of market access for South Africa's agricultural products, and made progress in the procurement and distribution of vaccines for Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD)", Hill-Lewis said.
"Minister Aucamp's immediate mandate is to resolve ongoing legal proceedings relating to FMD, to work with the entire sector to overcome the crisis and restore confidence through accelerated practical steps to bring the crisis under control. Minister Aucamp will also further the work of opening new markets to our agricultural products to help grow the economy and create jobs," he said.
Criticism of Steenhuisen's tenure
University of Johannesburg political analyst Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana noted that Steenhuisen's tenure was heavily marred by controversies surrounding his chiefs of staff.
Steenhuisen initially faced intense public backlash after appointing Roman Cabanac as his chief of staff, a controversial podcaster whose past podcasts and social media statements drew widespread criticism. He admitted the appointment was a mistake and requested Cabanac's resignation. Cabanac initially refused to step down and his departure triggered a drawn-out HR process. His contract was ultimately terminated.
More recently, subsequent chief of staff Annette Steyn caused further friction within the agricultural community after allegedly insulting local farmers.
"It is not surprising that he has been replaced. Hill-Lewis should be applauded. He needs a team that works hard, and if you don't, changes have to be made," he said.
Ndletyana said the decision could not have been easy given Steenhuisen's standing within the party. "It took some guts to replace a former leader of the party," he said.
Aucamp appears to be a logical choice to step up into the role, he said.
"He is a farmer, so he would most likely hit the ground running because he is familiar with the issues, and he has networks, which is very important," he said.
Other proposed changes include David Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, and Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
The President will have to approve the appointments in terms of the law, Ndletyana said. However, there was "no reason to resist the request, especially because the relations [between the DA and ANC in the GNU] have really improved", he said.
Steenhuisen's spokesperson and the Presidency had not responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.
