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BER Political Comment

In-depth analysis of important political developments in South Africa, with a focus on their broader economic and policy implications. These notes are exclusive to Premium Insights clients and provide space for deeper dives into specific political events, trends and themes. For more regular updates on political developments, see the BER Weekly Review.

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Beyond the Moonshot: Can a new DA leader boost its flatlining electoral fortunes?

Date Uploaded: February 04 2026 10:15


Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen formally announced his withdrawal from the party’s succession race during a media briefing in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday. The move has been long in the making, with talks around Steenhuisen’s potential exit beginning toward the end of 2025. The key question is whether a refresh in the upper echelons of the DA leadership can, first, reignite support from its base and, second, attract new voters to the party.