Steenhuisen Takes On ‘Doomsday Coalition’ in South Africa

South Africa’s forthcoming election offers a significant opportunity for the Democratic Alliance (DA) and their leader, John Steenhuisen. The DA, the country’s second-largest party, has a stronger presence in the Western Cape, their stronghold and the only province not governed by the ANC.

Despite this, pre-election polls indicate minimal growth in their support since earning about a fifth of the votes in the previous general election in 2019. Following the May 29th election, where the ANC is anticipated to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time, Steenhuisen may find himself in a crucial position.

Some surveys suggest ANC backing as low as 40%, posing challenges for forming a coalition with minor parties. While not ruling out a post-election agreement, Steenhuisen aims to prevent the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) from gaining power. The DA has long grappled with shedding its perception as a party representing South Africa’s privileged white minority and attracting Black voters.