Grasping The Nettle

A peek inside the life of DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen.

- Sue Segar

THE YEAR GONE BY WAS A TRYING ONE for DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen, not least for finding himself mired in controversy over the revelation that he has no university degree. There was also the embarrassing accusation about his financial good standing in the party; that his tithes were not up-to-date, which could normally result in a public representative being asked to vacate their position.

“So many people have written me off on so many occasions. I’ve had my political obituary written many times and every time I’ve proved the critics wrong. I’ve come back stronger, bigger and better.”

Sitting in his parliamentary office decked with photos of prominent world leaders, Steenhuisen looks tired – as though he really needs his imminent family break on the Mozambican coast. Behind the overt wit and confidence, there’s a frailty, a slight vulnerability, a sadness in the eyes – perhaps a clue to his early life, which was clearly not easy. When referring to his psychologist father, he sidebarred: “You know what they say about the cobbler’s children…”

During the interview, two of Steenhuisen’s daughters, visiting from KZN, were making a racket while playing under his PA’s desk. When this reporter asked him to close the door, he declined, saying he has a policy of never being alone behind closed doors with a woman.

He alleges the row about his qualification for the position of Chief whip was part of a “personal vendetta” by DA KwaZulu-Natal leader, Zwakele Mncwango. When it erupted Steenhuisen’s supporters jumped to his defence, saying he was a star performer in Parliament. DA leader Mmusi Maimane described him as “a great legislator, chief whip and a friend”.