Where is John Steenhuisen?

John Steenhuisen has kept a low profile after he was effectively demoted from his position as Minister of Agriculture during a cabinet reshuffle in June.

Just two months earlier, the politician – who made headlines for allegedly splurging his party credit card on Uber Eats orders – handed over the reins of the Democratic Alliance to current leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.

In June, John Steenhuisen was removed from his post as Minister of Agriculture and seemingly demoted to Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis during a cabinet reshuffle.

In the months leading up to this, John had stepped down as president of the DA to focus his attention on agricultural issues, such as the rampant spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

He was replaced by Willie Aucamp as the new minister.

John Steenhuisen was sworn in to his new post on 1 July.

Since his move, John has gone completely silent on his social media platforms, prompting many South Africans to question where he is.

What happened to John Steenhuisen? 🤔

— Penuel The Black Pen (@penuelist_) November 11, 2026

However, he continues to perform his public duties.

In recent months, the 50-year-old has been active in various sectors within his department, including campaigning for local job creation in the automotive industry, encouraging European trade and investment and commenting on US-SA trade relations after SA’s exit from AGOA.

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr John Steenhuisen, is in Pietermaritzburg today as a guest of KwaZulu-Natal Member of Executive Council (MEC) for @KZNPublicWorks Mr Martin Meyer for the launch of the province's Government Property Finder Portal. pic.twitter.com/jvZckjznBC

— the dtic (@the_dtic) October 7, 2026

Africa's blue economy is not merely a future opportunity; it is a present investment opportunity. This was the message from Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr John Steenhuisen, during his keynote address at #BlueInvestAfrica2026 in Cape Town today. pic.twitter.com/6oLIT6StSc

— the dtic (@the_dtic) November 2, 2026

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, John Steenhuisen visited the Denel stand today at AAD where he was taken through our capabilities, projects and the people behind the work. pic.twitter.com/c3DI3xa36V

— Denel (@DenelSOC) September 18, 2026

FALLOUT WITH DA STALWARTS

In recent months, John Steenhuisen is believed to have fallen out with former DA federal finance chair and environment minister Dion George, who was accused of misusing his party-issued credit card for personal expenses, including household and Uber Eats food delivery.

John – who accused the party of “betraying” him – was cleared of these allegations in an internal investigation.

He also accused ex-party leader Tony Leon of using his political connections to aid his PR company, Resolve Communications – a claim the latter denied.