At the centre of the reported changes is a proposal by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis to replace Steenhuisen with Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa had not formally announced any Cabinet changes at the time of writing, which means the reshuffle remains subject to his approval.
The uncertainty was evident at a Youth Month round-table discussion hosted by the Department of Agriculture (DoA) at the Agricultural Research Council’s Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, on Wednesday.
Steenhuisen had been expected to engage with young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs, but instead, delegates were informed that he would not be attending.
Addressing the gathering, DoA Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi acknowledged the speculation surrounding Steenhuisen’s future but emphasised that the department remains focused on its mandate.
“As you have heard, the [DA] has recalled [Steenhuisen]. I had discussions with him on Monday, and he indicated the issues that he has been called in on. There are a number of issues, and the president will respond to [the matter],” Ramasodi said.
He stressed that the DoA’s engagement with young farmers and its broader programmes will continue regardless of political developments.
TLU SA, Saai respond positively to reported leadership change
Among the first organisations to react to the reports was TLU SA, whose CEO, Bennie van Zyl, welcomed the prospect of a change in leadership.
While he acknowledged that Steenhuisen has achieved some successes in expanding international trade opportunities for agriculture, he argued that the DoA had not always taken commercial farmers’ best interests into consideration.
He was particularly critical of Steenhuisen’s handling of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.
“His handling of the FMD outbreak was wrong, as he chose to follow the wrong advice,” Van Zyl said.
By contrast, he described Aucamp as someone who understands the realities that producers face. “Aucamp is an approachable person who understands farmers’ challenges and needs.”
The Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) also welcomed the reported appointment of Aucamp, expressing hope that a new minister could help restore trust between government and the agriculture sector.
“The fight against FMD can be won, under the right leadership,” the organisation said in a statement.
Saai Chairperson Theo de Jager said Aucamp has built a reputation for accessibility and engagement with stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum.
“Minister Aucamp has always been highly accessible, including to farmers who disagree with him. He has often acted as an intermediary for Saai and our network partners, both with the DA and with John Steenhuisen,” De Jager said.
The organisation said it expects a more inclusive approach towards agricultural interest groups, greater engagement with farmers, and a stronger willingness to consider industry concerns.
According to Saai, rebuilding confidence between government and producers is critical if South Africa is to overcome the current FMD crisis and other challenges facing the livestock industry.
AgriSA acknowledges Steenhuisen’ s contribution
Meanwhile, AgriSA adopted a more measured stance, congratulating Aucamp on his reported appointment while acknowledging Steenhuisen’s contributions during his tenure and highlighting several achievements.
It said it would be willing to work with Aucamp should the proposed changes be confirmed, and noted Steenhuisen’s role in strengthening agricultural competitiveness and expanding export opportunities for South African producers.
“Minister Steenhuisen played an important role in strengthening South Africa’s agricultural competitiveness by supporting efforts to address tariff and non-tariff barriers, expand market access opportunities, and open new export protocols that have enhanced opportunities for South African producers in international markets,” the organisation said in a statement.
It also pointed to progress made during the FMD outbreak through improved collaboration between government and industry, the rollout of vaccination programmes, and the establishment of the FMD Industry Coordination Council.
AgriSA also credited Steenhuisen for helping to elevate agricultural priorities across government through engagement with other ministries and departments.
