Pretoria – Former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has been demoted to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Mr Steenhuisen's demotion as agriculture minister was prompted by new Department of Agriculture leader Jordyn Hill-Lewis, who asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to demote him.
Steenhuisen has come under increasing criticism in recent months for his poor handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which has devastated the agricultural sector.
Related: Africa Forum supports DA leader’s call to sack Agriculture Minister Steenhuisen – Bull Rush
Announcing the changes as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle late on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the President's Office said President Ramaphosa, as part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), was making the national executive personnel changes in consultation with the DA leadership.
“These changes will affect the ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Environment, Trade, Industry and Competition, Power and Energy, Higher Education, Water and Sanitation,” the presidential palace said in a statement published to Bull Rush.
Accordingly, in a statement, President Ramaphosa said that in accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Constitution), he would appoint:
Willem Okan was appointed as Minister of Agriculture, and David Meinier was appointed as Minister of Forests, Fisheries and Environment.
The statement further said that in accordance with Article 93(1)(a) of the Constitution, President Ramaphosa will appoint the following Deputy Ministers:
John Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Power and Energy; Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation; and Yusuf Kassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education.
In the vacant position of the Ministry of Social Development, President Ramaphosa appointed Ms. Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development pursuant to Article 91(3)(b) of the Constitution.
“President Ramaphosa wishes all incoming ministers and deputy ministers the best in their roles,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa has sacked MPs Isaac Seislolo and Samantha Graham-Mare as deputy ministers.
