Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen addressed the nation on Sunday, ahead of the final announcement of the 2024 election results at the Electoral Commission of SA’s (IEC) National Results Centre in Midrand.
Following a Federal Executive meeting in Johannesburg, Steenhuisen outlined the party’s strategy moving forward. The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, necessitating coalition partners to form a government.
The DA has secured a 55% majority in the Western Cape, maintaining control for the fourth consecutive term. The party gained three parliamentary seats, while the ANC lost 71 seats.
Despite the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) failing to achieve the anticipated 50% +1 collectively, Steenhuisen emphasized the DA’s commitment to working with allies to prioritize South Africa’s interests during this challenging period.
Steenhuisen assured supporters that the DA would strive to prevent a coalition between the ANC, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). “A combination of the ANC, MK, and EFF has the power to take control. It’s not the outcome we wanted, but it’s the one we must address,” he said.
In an interview with eNCA, Steenhuisen stated that while the DA is open to discussions with the ANC and other constitution-respecting parties, it will not negotiate with the EFF or MK party. “The EFF and MK party have campaigned explicitly on principles we fundamentally oppose,” he noted.
The DA’s Federal Executive has initiated talks with other parties committed to the South African Constitution. Former DA leaders Helen Zille and Tony Leon, along with senior members, will spearhead these negotiations. Leon, who led the party from 1999 to 2007, and Zille, who led from 2007 to 2015, will engage various parties over the next two weeks to form a coalition government.
The negotiation team also includes Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, parliamentary chief whip Siviwe Gwarube, deputy federal chairperson Ivan Meyer, and Ryan Coetzee.
Steenhuisen expressed concern about the MK party’s success at the polls, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where it secured 45.3% of the vote, ahead of the IFP and ANC. He criticized the MK party’s stance on land appropriation without compensation and nationalizing mines, warning against its threat to the Constitution.
Despite these challenges, Steenhuisen reassured supporters of the DA’s commitment to upholding the Constitution. “This moment calls for all patriotic South Africans to defend our Constitution,” he concluded.
 leader John Steenhuisen addressed the nation on Sunday, ahead of the final announcement of the 2024 election results at the Electoral Commission of SA’s (IEC) National Results Centre in Midrand.){kind=link}