DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis’ request to President Cyril Ramaphosa to make sweeping changes to the party’s representation in the national executive sets the stage for an overhaul of the cabinet, with the new DA leader moving quickly to clear out ministers and deputies aligned with his predecessor.
Though Hill-Lewis has requested only for the DA representation to be reshuffled, it comes at a time when there are vacancies in the cabinet.
Sindiswe Chikunga, the minister of women, youth and people with disabilities, has been acting as social development minister since Sisisi Tolashe was dismissed from the role last month.
Ramaphosa has yet to fill the position permanently.
Ramaphosa is “positively considering” Hill-Lewis’ request, with an expected reshuffle occurring before the end of June, according to sources in the Presidency. The prerogative to reshuffle the cabinet rests solely with the president, as per the constitution.
Hill-Lewis has asked that his predecessor as DA party leader, John Steenhuisen, be removed as agriculture minister. The move comes after tensions between Steenhuisen and farmer unions over his handling of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis and the private procurement of vaccines.
Farmers are a key constituency of the DA. Steenhuisen is set to be moved to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition.
Willie Aucamp, the current minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, will likely replace Steenhuisen at agriculture, with an immediate mandate to resolve ongoing FMD-related legal proceedings and restore confidence in the sector.
“Minister Aucamp’s immediate mandate is to resolve ongoing legal proceedings relating to foot-and-mouth disease, to work with the entire sector to overcome the crisis and restore confidence through accelerated practical steps to bring the crisis under control. Minister Aucamp will also further the work of opening new markets to our agricultural products to help grow the economy and create jobs,” Hill-Lewis said.
Hill-Lewis on Wednesday confirmed the reshuffle request, saying the move was aimed at enhancing the DA’s governance role in the national executive.
“It is my firm expectation that each person representing the DA in government must unmistakably demonstrate the ‘DA difference’ in action. That requires government rooted in our philosophical outlook, with higher standards of public service and absolute commitment to integrity,” Hill-Lewis said.
“In every decision I take, no matter how difficult, I seek to advance the attainment of an open opportunity society for all, a society in which every person can live a life of value. These changes will enhance the DA’s ability to give effect to that vision for South Africa.”
David Maynier, the Western Cape MEC for education, will take up the position of minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, having previously held senior portfolio roles in the National Assembly.
Steenhuisen moves to deputy trade, industry and competition minister, replacing Alexandra Abrahams.
Abrahams shifts to deputy minister of electricity and energy. Yusuf Cassim, a former student politics figure with experience on the portfolio committee on higher education, will be appointed deputy minister of higher education and training.
Jack Bloom, the longest-serving member of the Gauteng provincial legislature, takes the position of deputy minister of water and sanitation.
Hill-Lewis also let go of deputy ministers Mimmie Gondwe (higher education), Samantha Graham (energy and electricity) and Sello Seitlholo (water and sanitation).
• This article was updated with new information on June 17 2026.
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