John Steenhuisen steps down as DA leader amid controversy over livestock virus handling, after leading the party since 2019.
John Steenhuisen announced he will not seek re-election as leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance in April, amid ongoing political tensions. He plans to focus on managing a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak as he remains Cape Town mayor and agriculture minister. His departure could impact coalition stability.
South Africa is ramping up foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination efforts amid a severe outbreak affecting over 297,000 cattle. Vaccines from Turkey and Argentina are arriving, with rapid distribution underway. The outbreak has led to export bans, economic losses, and calls for national unity in containment efforts.