DA Leader John Steenhuisen

Cape Town – Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is facing tough questions about his ability to handle public funds after a court granted a default judgment against him for nearly R150,000 in unpaid personal credit card debt. The ruling, handed down in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court in May 2025, has sparked concerns about his financial management, especially as he earns over R2.6 million a year in his ministerial role. This comes alongside claims that the DA took away his party credit card earlier in the year due to accounting issues, adding fuel to internal party disputes.
The revelations have led to calls for lifestyle audits and raised alarms about national security risks for ministers with money troubles. Political watchers say these issues could hurt Steenhuisen’s standing as he leads a key government department and prepares for the DA’s 2026 congress.

The Default Judgment and Unpaid Debt

Court records show Steenhuisen owed R149,950 on his personal credit card from FNB, plus interest and legal costs. The bank sought the default judgment after he failed to pay, and it was granted without opposition. Steenhuisen has since settled the debt, but the incident has drawn sharp criticism.
Despite his high salary as a minister – which includes perks like housing and travel allowances – the unpaid bill has left many wondering how he let it build up. Steenhuisen has called it a private matter from before his current job, saying it has no link to corruption or undue benefits. He did not dispute the judgment but stressed that his finances are his own business unless proven otherwise.
This is not the first time personal money issues have hit public figures, but for a minister overseeing billions in agriculture budgets, it raises eyebrows about oversight and responsibility.
Party Credit Card Drama Adds to the Heat
Adding to the scrutiny, reports say the DA’s federal finance committee pulled Steenhuisen’s party credit card earlier in 2025 because the account could not be properly reconciled. Former environment minister Dion George, who chaired the committee at the time, confirmed the action. “It was necessary to remove Mr Steenhuisen’s party credit card. As federal finance chair, I took that action,” George said.
Steenhuisen has pushed back, claiming he chose to give up the card because the admin work was too much. This clash comes amid bigger tensions in the DA, especially after George was dropped from his Cabinet post. Some see it as part of factional fights ahead of the party’s next leadership vote in 2026.
The party card issue points to possible sloppy spending habits, even if no wrongdoing is proven. It has led to whispers about whether Steenhuisen can be trusted with the reins of the Agriculture Department, where big decisions on farms, food security, and rural growth are made daily.
Calls for Lifestyle Audits and Security Concerns
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula jumped on the news, calling for all ministers to face lifestyle audits. “John Steenhuisen has to explain himself in these lifestyle audits, like everybody. I saw that matter that he owes, I don’t know what he owes, credit card, lifestyle audits, he spends money carelessly. I’m not the one who’s saying that; that’s what’s been reported,” Mbalula said.
Independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego went further, warning that financial woes could pose national security risks. Ministers like Steenhuisen have access to top-secret info, and debt might make them open to pressure or leaks. “A minister having financial problems raises national security issues. When you are being vetted for security in determining what level of access you need to have to information, your credit record, your default judgment. It comes into consideration. The belief here is that if you are having financial problems, you can easily be brought to disclose information that you should keep secret,” Mashego explained.
He added that such vulnerabilities could lead to lobbying or even treason. “You cannot be in that position when you are not clear when it comes to how you manage your finances because it becomes easy to be lobbied, it becomes easy to commit treason. Which means the challenge will be for the president to request that he excuse himself from the ministry. Because if you are a minister with a top-secret clearance and you have financial problems, you are actually a risk.”
These worries echo broader calls for tighter checks on public officials’ finances to prevent conflicts and ensure they focus on serving the people.

Steenhuisen’s Role and the Bigger Picture

As Agriculture Minister in the Government of National Unity, Steenhuisen oversees a department vital to South Africa’s food supply and rural jobs. His team handles budgets running into billions for farms, land reform, and exports. Any hint of poor money handling could undermine trust in his leadership, especially as the sector faces challenges like droughts, rising costs, and global trade shifts.
The DA has stood by Steenhuisen, but internal rifts – like the fallout with George – suggest not all is well. With the 2026 congress looming, these money matters could play into leadership battles.

🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

DA Leader John Steenhuisen Under Fire Over R150,000 Credit Card Debt Default Judgment Amid Growing Party Tensions

DA Leader John Steenhuisen

The Default Judgment and Unpaid Debt

Steenhuisen’s Role and the Bigger Picture

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

‘Dr Mothamaha Has Stabilised Ngwathe’: ANCYL NEC Member Babiki de Wet Defends Municipal Manager Against Political Attacks

South Africa Rejects US Demand for No G20 Leaders’ Declaration Amid Boycott and Diplomatic Tensions

Related Articles

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply