Parliament's Agriculture Portfolio Committee has rebuked Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen over his conduct during oversight visits, exposing tensions in South Africa's Government of National Unity as the Democratic Alliance leader navigates dual roles as opposition chief and cabinet minister.
Committee members complained that Steenhuisen's staff have been secretly recording them without consent during parliamentary visits related to foot-and-mouth disease management, according to Eyewitness News. The recordings and alleged personal attacks have soured previously constructive working relationships.
"There's a personalisation now between the minister and myself, and it's unfortunate, because I don't represent myself in this committee," said Athol Trollip, the ActionSA committee member and former DA leader who has clashed repeatedly with Steenhuisen over the outbreak response.
Committee chairperson Dina Pule expressed disappointment at the deteriorating relations: "We were working very well until this foot-and-mouth disease, and the relations are now changing." She plans to address the complaints directly with Steenhuisen at their next meeting.
EFF member Laeticia Arries urged escalating the matter to Cabinet, noting that "portfolio committee meetings cannot become the battlefield to sort out his petty squabbles."
The dispute illuminates unique accountability challenges created by the GNU, where Steenhuisen simultaneously leads the DA opposition while serving in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet. Parliamentary oversight depends on ministers respecting institutional norms even when facing tough questioning from political rivals.
That includes vigilance over democratic institutions like parliamentary oversight, which hold executives accountable regardless of party affiliation.
