John Steenhuisen Archives - MDNtv

DA Kicks Off Largest-Ever Federal Congress in Midrand

Hlakaniphile Magadlela — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:54:44 +0000

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has began its two-day Federal Congress today, Saturday, 11 April, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

More than 2,000 delegates from across South Africa are expected to gather for what the party describes as its largest congress to date. The key item on the agenda is the election of new federal leadership, including the positions of Federal Leader and Federal Chairperson.

Incumbent leader John Steenhuisen is not seeking re-election. Among the frontrunners for Federal Leader are Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sedibeng councillor Sibusiso Dyonase. The congress will also elect a new Federal Chairperson, with contenders including Western Cape MEC Ivan Meyer and Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga.

The gathering comes just months ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 2026. Delegates are expected to debate and finalize policy positions as the DA positions itself within the Government of National Unity while preparing its campaign strategy for the polls.

The event is being closely watched as a signal of the party’s direction in the lead-up to the municipal vote. Proceedings continue on Sunday.

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DA FEDERAL CONGRESS 2026 | ALL EYES ON NEW DA LEADERSHIP

MDNtv — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:07:54 +0000

The Democratic Alliance Federal Congress 2026 is underway at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, where delegates from across South Africa have gathered for one of the party’s biggest political events.

The congress is expected to shape the DA’s leadership direction, with key elections and major decisions taking centre stage over the weekend.

More than 2,000 delegates are expected as the country’s second biggest party meets to elect new leadership and map out its political future ahead of the next phase of national politics.

Stay with MDNtv for rolling updates, analysis, reactions and the biggest moments from inside the DA Federal Congress 2026.
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DA FEDERAL CONGRESS BEGINS | ALL EYES ON NEW DA LEADERSHIP

MDNtv — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:13:58 +0000

The congress is expected to shape the DA’s leadership direction, with key elections and major decisions taking centre stage over the weekend.

More than 2,000 delegates are expected as the country’s second biggest party meets to elect new leadership and map out its political future ahead of the next phase of national politics.

Visit here to stay informed with breaking news and in-depth coverage on MDNtv, your source for local and global stories: http://www.mdntvlive.com/

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Ramaphosa Fires Dion George, Appoints Willie Aucamp as New Forestry Minister

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:10:11 +0000

President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Dr. Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, citing underperformance, and has appointed Willem Abraham Stephanus (Willie) Aucamp as his replacement.

The decision, announced through presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, was made in line with South Africa’s Constitution. Ramaphosa also appointed Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“I wish Mr. Aucamp and Ms. Abrahams well in their new portfolios,” the president said.

The move comes after reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle, following a request by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. George, one of six DA ministers serving under the Government of National Unity (GNU), was reportedly replaced over concerns about his performance.

Steenhuisen, however, dismissed claims that external pressure influenced the decision. “The DA entered the Government of National Unity in June 2024 with a clear mission — to confront South Africa’s most urgent challenges and deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives,” he said.

He stressed the need for capable and committed leaders in all GNU roles, highlighting teamwork and integrity as essential to progress. “Every public official must work toward an agreed agenda. These appointments will strengthen the DA’s contribution to the GNU and advance much-needed reform,” he added.

Steenhuisen thanked Dr. George for his service and expressed confidence in Aucamp and Abrahams as they assume their new responsibilities.

Aucamp previously served as the DA’s national spokesperson and is expected to bring renewed energy to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa tables the Presidency’s Budget Vote to the National Assembly

MDNtv — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:59:54 +0000

President Cyril Ramaphosa will present the Presidency’s Budget Vote 1 to the National Assembly for debate on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. The debate will provide insight into departmental performance and spending priorities. Meanwhile, the National Council of Provinces will hold a plenary sitting for policy debates on Budget Vote 19 (Social Development) and Budget Vote 13 (Public Works and Infrastructure).

President Cyril Ramaphosa tables the Presidency’s Budget Vote to the National Assembly.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa holds his inaugural meeting with members of the National Dialogue

MDNtv — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:30:14 +0000

President Cyril Ramaphosa will hold his inaugural meeting with members of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings on 11 July 2025. The EPG comprises prominent individuals from across the country and various fields, and the meeting will outline the group’s role and structure. The EPG was appointed to guide and champion the National Dialogue, which aims to advance social cohesion and nation-building.

President Cyril Ramaphosa holds his inaugural meeting with members of the National Dialogue

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White House meeting highlights South Africa’s crime issues

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:09:43 +0000

Rupert takes aim at Steenhuisen in U.S.-South Africa White House meeting

A contentious White House meeting on May 21, between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, aimed at easing U.S.-South Africa tensions, exposed sharp divides, with South African billionaire Johann Rupert delivering a pointed jab at Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

As Trump pressed on crime and land reform issues, Rupert seized the moment to redirect the narrative, zeroing in on the soaring murder rate in the Cape Flats, a gang-ridden area in the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led Western Cape.

With a clear edge of disdain, Rupert remarked, “The crime is terrible, but Mr. Steenhuisen won’t admit that he runs the Western Cape where I live, where the biggest murder rate is in the Cape Flats.”

The comment, dripping with frustration, underscored the failure of Steenhuisen’s DA to curb gang violence, implicitly questioning his leadership.

South African data backs Rupert’s focus, with 26,232 murders nationwide in 2024, only 44 tied to farming communities, impacting both Black and white victims.

Rupert’s barb put Steenhuisen on the defensive, highlighting tensions between the billionaire and the DA leader.

Ramaphosa, meanwhile, countered Trump’s narrative, stressing that crime affects all South Africans and no land has been seized under the Expropriation Act.

The meeting adjourned without resolving trade or diplomatic rifts, leaving U.S.-South Africa relations in limbo.

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Ramaphosa Touches Down in Washington for Crucial Talks with Trump

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Tue, 20 May 2025 07:08:24 +0000

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Washington, D.C., kicking off a high-stakes diplomatic mission that will see him meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday.

Joining him on the trip are key members of his delegation: DA leader John Steenhuisen, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola, and South Africa’s newly appointed special envoy to the U.S., Mcebisi Jonas.

According to Steenhuisen, this visit is more than just ceremonial—it’s a chance to strengthen critical ties between South Africa and the U.S. “Our top priority is securing and protecting trade relations, particularly in agriculture,” he said. “These agreements create jobs, drive economic growth, and open doors for thousands of South Africans.”

One of the key concerns on the agenda is the future of AGOA—the African Growth and Opportunity Act—a trade deal that has been a major boost to South African exports. Steenhuisen warned that losing such benefits would have severe consequences for farmers, workers, and the broader economy.

The timing of this visit is significant. It comes amid growing tensions, sparked by recent claims of “white genocide” in South Africa, which have gained traction in some U.S. circles and reportedly influenced Trump’s decision to cut aid to the country. More than 40 Afrikaners have left South Africa in recent weeks, further stoking international debate.

But not everyone is convinced this trip is a good idea. EFF leader Julius Malema has openly criticized Ramaphosa’s visit, calling it poorly timed and potentially harmful to South Africa’s sovereignty—especially during what he described as a critical budget crisis at home.

As the world watches closely, Ramaphosa’s challenge will be to repair strained diplomatic ties, counter damaging narratives, and protect South Africa’s standing on the global stage.

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SHOCKING: KZN is the Headquarters of hitmen in the country – Bheki Cele

MDNtv — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 17:57:59 +0000

Police Minister Bheki Cele faces tough questions from the Hanover Park community on the Cape Flats regarding the ongoing gang violence plaguing their neighborhood. Residents express frustration over delayed police and ambulance response times, demanding action and tangible solutions from Cele.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more news and updates.

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AKA, Tibz murder-accused: Shocking court return

MDNtv — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:08:47 +0000

We bring you the news of AKA, Tibz murder-accused back in court.

Forbes and Motsoane were killed in Durban last year. The police announced the arrests last month, saying an elaborate operation was put in place to kill Forbes.

A further two suspects are being held in Eswatini, awaiting the outcome of an extradition application.

This case has shocked the nation and raised questions about the safety of public figures in South Africa.

The families of the victims are seeking justice and closure, while the accused maintain their innocence.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the truth behind the tragic events that took place in Durban will hopefully come to light.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more news and updates.

More news, visit mdntvlive.com and #Mdntv on all Social Media platforms. #MDNNews #SouthAfrica

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