An internal investigation by the Democratic Alliance (DA) has cleared John Steenhuisen of allegations regarding the misuse of party funds.
The DA’s Federal Executive met on Monday to consider the matter and accepted findings of no evidence of misappropriation of party funds. This comes after a scrutiny of Steenhuisen’s personal finances.
An investigation was conducted last year, and Steenhuisen was referred to the party’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC) after he was allegedly using the party’s credit card for personal use, to pay for food orders.
The FLC concluded that the payments were reimbursed to the party and cleared Steenhuisen of any misappropriation of funds.
DA clears Steenhuisen on credit card claims — but questions remain https://t.co/heQSQ7F5EM
— Ferial Haffajee (@ferialhaffajee) January 14, 2026
Helen Zille announced late afternoon on Monday that an internal DA investigation had found no evidence that party leader John Steenhuisen ‘misappropriated party funds’, but there are still unanswered questions.
Zille, the DA’s Federal Council Chair, said “The report found that the expenditure on the card had been fully reconciled, that there was no prima facie evidence of misappropriation, and that the limited number of personal expenses had been adequately explained and reimbursed.”
The public reaction to the findings has, however, been largely critical, with some people questioning how the party could investigate itself rather than appoint an external body.
Currently, John Steenhuisen and Federal Finance Chairperson, George Dion, will both face the party disciplinary hearings to determine if they brought the party into disrepute over their own public spat.
Also see: MK party shake-up: Axing makes way for new leadership
Feature Image: Gettys
