Leader of South Africa's second largest party will not seek re-election

Gallo via Getty ImagesJohn Steenhuisen has served as the Democratic Alliance leader since 2019South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has said he will not seek re-election as the party's leader in April – a move that may threaten the stability of the coalition government.The DA, South Africa second largest party, entered into a coalition with its arch rival the African National Congress (ANC) in 2024 after it lost its parliamentary majority, a blow for the party.Steenhuisen took over leadership of the pro-business DA in 2019 and currently serves as agriculture minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa's government.The 49-year-old was widely expected to run again but was reportedly forced to abandon his bid because of several controversies."For the rest of this term of office, I will focus all of my time and energy as minister of agriculture on defeating the most devastating foot and mouth disease outbreak our country has ever seen," he told a press conference.More BBC stories on South Africa:South Africa's political marriage of convenience avoids divorce – justS Africa president fires stinging rebuke at coalition partnerSouth Africa's strained ties with US face new test – war games with China, Iran and RussiaGetty Images/BBCGo to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafricaBBC Africa podcastsFocus on AfricaThis Is AfricaDemocratic AllianceSouth AfricaAfrica