JOHANNESBURG, May 27 – South Africa’s upcoming election poses a crucial challenge for John Steenhuisen, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA). While the ruling African National Congress (ANC) struggles with a stagnant economy, high unemployment, and deteriorating infrastructure, the DA has a golden opportunity to increase its influence.
Despite these favorable conditions, pre-election polls suggest the DA’s support remains stagnant since it secured around 20% of votes in the 2019 general election. The party’s track record in the Western Cape, where it governs, highlights its potential; however, it has struggled to broaden its appeal nationally.
Steenhuisen, 48, faces a critical juncture as the ANC, the party of Nelson Mandela, is expected to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time. Some polls have placed ANC support as low as 40%, which would complicate forming a coalition with smaller parties. Steenhuisen has pledged to oust the ANC but has not ruled out a post-election deal to keep the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) out of power.
“I’m not ruling out anything depending on what the election results are going forward,” Steenhuisen stated in a March interview with Reuters. The EFF’s platform includes nationalizing industries and seizing white-owned land, positions that the DA firmly opposes.
The DA, a pro-business party, has struggled with its image as a bastion of white privilege, hindering its appeal to Black voters. This perception was exacerbated by the resignation of Black DA leader Mmusi Maimane in 2019, who accused party insiders of undermining his efforts to attract Black voters. Steenhuisen, who succeeded Maimane, insists the DA serves all South Africans and aims to address poverty and failing services.
“I don’t want people to vote for the DA if they think that we’re here to protect and entrench white privilege,” Steenhuisen said. “Our policies are the best mechanism to deliver people from living a life of abject poverty amidst failing services.”
A March opinion survey by the Brenthurst Foundation and the SABI Strategy Group revealed that many South Africans trust the DA’s governance, with 37% of respondents viewing the party favorably. However, Steenhuisen’s personal favorability lagged at 19%, raising concerns about his leadership.
Independent analyst Melanie Verwoerd noted, “Part of the reason the DA is not doing better is because there is a question mark around the leadership. It’s both in tone and then also in content.”
Under Steenhuisen, the DA has focused on economically liberal policies, which may struggle to resonate with poor Black South Africans. Additionally, the DA’s campaign has faced setbacks, including a controversial advert depicting a burning South African flag, which drew backlash and accusations of treason from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Despite these challenges, the DA is poised to retain its status as one of South Africa’s major parties. Steenhuisen remains determined to prevent an ANC coalition with the EFF or MK, which he has labeled a “doomsday coalition.”
“We will do whatever we can to prevent that,” he asserted.
