Steenhuisen available for DA’s top job

Democratic Alliance (DA) parliamentary leader John Steenhuisen has thrown his hat in the ring to become the party’s next federal leader.

He made the announcement while addressing the Cape Town Press Club yesterday, taking a leaf out of former leader Helen Zille’s book. She also announced her intention to become DA leader at a meeting of the press club in 2007.

Steenhuisen’s announcement was met with applause. He will also run for the position of interim leader on November 17.

The full-time federal leader will be elected at a federal congress, provisionally scheduled for April next year.

Last week, Mmusi Maimane resigned as federal leader and Athol Trollip as federal chairperson, causing an unusual situation in that the party was left without a leader.

Under normal circumstances, the federal chairperson would fulfil the functions of the leader in the leader’s absence.

Steenhuisen said the events of last week were a setback for the party but borrowing from Mark Twain, that the “reports of the death of the DA are greatly exaggerated”.

“Let me be very clear, I’m very sad about Mmusi Maimane’s departure,” he said.

Steenhuisen asked to be judged on what he could do and said he wanted to work in the service of South Africa.

“I think I’ve got something to offer,” he said.

After Maimane resigned as the party leader last week, Steenhuisen ceased being the DA’s chief whip because the chief whip is appointed by the leader.

The party opened nominations for parliamentary leader and Steenhuisen was the only person nominated.