John Steenhuisen is a South African politician and the current Minister of Agriculture under the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. He remains the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and was the leader of the opposition before his ministerial appointment.
John Steenhuisen’s Age
John Steenhuisen was born on the 25th of March, 1976, in Durban, Natal, South Africa. He is 49 years old and usually celebrates his birthday every 25th of March.
Early Life and Education
John Steenhuisen was born in Durban, Natal, in South Africa. He participated at Northwood Boys High School in 1993.
John Steenhuisen doesn’t have a university degree at the moment. He once informed the parliament that he had enrolled for a bachelor’s degree in politics and law but could not continue due to financial issues.
In 2024, John Steenhuisen announced that he would register to study at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Career
John Steenhuisen’s career has spanned from establishing a political party to his appointment as a minister in the presidential cabinet.
Political Career
John Steenhuisen started his career as a Democratic Party activist before becoming a branch member. In 1999, he was elected to the Durban council as the DP councilor for Durban North.
Following the establishment of the eThekwim Metropolitan Municipality, John Steenhuisen was elected as a councilor. He continued serving until he was appointed as the caucus leader.
In 2009, John Steenhuisen was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. A year later, he resigned from his position due to the disclosure of an affair.
John Steenhuisen continues serving as DA’s caucus leader until his move to the South African National Assembly.
In 2011, he was the successor of Mark Steele in the National Assembly. A year later, John Steenhuisen was appointed by Lindiwe Mazibuko as the Shadow Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Currently, he is a member of the Rules Committee, having previously served as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management.
In 2014, John Steenhuisen was appointed as chief whip of the DA parliamentary caucus. He was re-appointed to the same position in 2019.
Leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA)
Following Mmusi Maimane’s resignation from the DA, John Steenhuisen lost his position as chief whip. He then declared an interest in succeeding Maimane as Parliamentary leader, in which he was elected unopposed in 2019.
John Steenhuisen announced his intention to run for the party’s Federal leader. He was later elected interim leader of the party on the 17th of November, 2019.
The following year, John Steenhuisen sought a full term as Federal leader of the DA, but all matters concerning elections were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, in the same year, the Federal Council of the DA decided to hold their conference virtually. John Steenhuisen contended for the position with KwaZulu Natal MPL Mbali Ntuli.
On the 1st of November 2020, he was announced as the new leader of the party. In 2022, John Steenhuisen voiced his intention of seeking reelection at the DA Congress.
He launched his campaign, which was prominent in Cape Town. Despite the history and influence of blacks in the party, John Steenhuisen was highly seen as the winner.
In 2023, he secured his second term while defeating former Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse.
In 2024, John Steenhuisen announced the DA’s agreement to join the ANC to support Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision of being reelected as South Africa’s President.
Minister of Agriculture
On the 3rd of July 2024, John Steenhuisen was appointed Minister of Agriculture in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet. The DA received six out of the thirty-two cabinet positions in the new government.
In his speech as minister, John Steenhuisen vowed to modernize the farming sector, introducing a track-and-trace system for livestock.
He further promised to continue previous projects and focus on food security and sustainability in rural areas.
Additionally, John Steenhuisen said he would attempt to settle the country’s dispute with the European Union (EU) and maintain its part in the United States African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Family
John Steenhuisen was formerly married to Julie Steenhuisen for ten years. He is, however, married to Terry and has three daughters from both marriages.
Net Worth
As of today, John Steenhuisen’s net worth is undisclosed.