The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has welcomed the removal of John Steenhuisen from his position as Agriculture Minister, framing the decision as a necessary response to ongoing challenges in managing the country’s Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
The party argues that Steenhuisen’s tenure was marked by frustration within the farming sector over the State’s centralised vaccination programme and limited private-sector participation in disease control efforts.
The announcement comes amid a broader Cabinet reshuffle by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, which also includes changes to several deputy minister positions linked to the Government of National Unity arrangement.
Steenhuisen is set to be replaced by Willie Aucamp, who currently serves as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment and is expected to take over the Agriculture portfolio.
FF Plus MP Wynand Boshoff said the change reflects concerns over the department’s rigid control of the outbreak response and a lack of coordination with farmers on the ground.
The party has expressed optimism that Aucamp’s agricultural background will bring a more collaborative approach to tackling the disease and improving vaccine distribution.
Steenhuisen is expected to transition to a deputy minister role in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, as further political adjustments continue within the GNU framework.