AFRIFORUM SLAMS DA LEADER OVER ALLEGED ANC ALIGNMENT
By Anele Dlamini
#SDN, 4 February 2026
JOHANNESBURG: Civil rights organisation AfriForum has sharply criticized Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, accusing him of drifting closer to the African National Congress (ANC) and undermining the interests of Afrikaans-speaking communities.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel made the remarks ahead of Steenhuisen’s anticipated media briefing in Durban on Wednesday, where the DA leader is expected to confirm that he will not contest another term at the party’s federal congress in April.
Kriel said the current political direction of the DA under Steenhuisen’s leadership has raised serious concerns, particularly following his role as Minister of Agriculture in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“There is clearly a need for change,” Kriel said. “Even if Steenhuisen steps down as party leader, he will remain Minister of Agriculture and we believe he must reconsider his stance on key matters.”
Among the issues highlighted were the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, the government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting farmers and other policy positions AfriForum claims are inconsistent with traditional DA principles.
The organisation argues that Steenhuisen’s cooperation with the ANC within the GNU has weakened the DA’s commitment to its core supporters.
Steenhuisen has not yet publicly responded to AfriForum’s criticism, but his expected announcement about stepping aside as party leader is likely to reshape the political landscape within the DA in the coming months.