The leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) is not afraid of the heat in the kitchen – or the political playing field. John Steenhuisen was born in Durbanhoff in Durban, where he lived most of his life. “I want to be an archaeologist, very much into history. Then I want to go into law but instead get involved in politics in Durban North, when I helped the branch of the Democratic Party (DP) by handing out pamphlets during the elections for the local MP,” he said. ‘There is no substitute for experience’ Steenhuisen joined politics because he saw it as a way to get…
The leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) is not afraid of the heat in the kitchen – or the political playing field. John Steenhuisen was born in Durbanhoff in Durban, where he lived most of his life.
“I want to be an archaeologist, very much into history. Then I want to go into law but instead get involved in politics in Durban North, when I helped the branch of the Democratic Party (DP) by handing out pamphlets during the elections for the local MP,” he said.
‘There is no substitute for experience’
Steenhuisen got involved in politics because he saw it as a way to get things done.
“I joined the DP when I left school, joined the local branch and worked as vice chairman, then chairman, then local councilor and then elected unopposed as a councillor. I was a councilor for 10 years.
Also read: Steenhuisen becomes DA leader, because no one can compete
He said he was grateful for traveling as an activist, working for parliament and as the leader of the opposition party. Steenhuisen cut his teeth in politics at the age of 22 as a councillor.
“It gave me a full understanding of how the party works and what is expected of people at different levels. There is no substitute for experience,” he said.
Steenhuisen likes to hang out with friends in his spare time.
“I like to cook. I cook for relaxation and enjoy making food for friends.”
He has a passion for shooting clay pigeons and belongs to the club.
“I’m happy with the progress but still have to complete 10,000 hours. Clear your mind completely. I feel relaxed and not stressed,” he said.
READ ALSO: Ramaphosa is now powerless against corrupt officials, says Steenhuisen in Phala Phala saga
Steenhuisen loves hot food and can’t resist the Durban rabbit food.
“I try and get one every time I visit my hometown,” he said. And he admits he’s not good at everything.
“I’m a terrible braaier, apparently. I love braaing and I love braaivleis, but my son tells me I’m terrible.
‘We won against the ANC’
Steenhuisen will never stop striving to be better.
“I believe things can get better. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing if I didn’t believe that,” he said.
SA has only scratched the surface of its potential.
“I’ve seen it many times. When South Africans think about something, we get it right,” he said.
Steenhuisen said he was proud of the City of Cape Town and that it would be able to start paying cash for power supplied to the local electricity grid from June.
“Not only because the DA government is doing it, but it shows that it can be done. It is frustrating because the whole country is not doing it. What has been pioneered in Cape Town should be a blueprint for the whole country in terms of energy.
Cape Town residents are protected from two layers of load shedding thanks to the Steenbras dam system. Steenhuisen said he is working to become the first province in the country to be burden-free.
“We won against the ANC. When we see ANC figures, they are struggling, while we are growing. The ANC’s support is dwindling,” he said.
Also Read: Ramaphosa no different from Zuma – Steenhuisen in Phala Phala vote
Steenhuisen said everyone thought that Cyril Ramaphosa would be the hero who would save South Africa from its problems.
“Now, we see that he is the same as the rest of the ANC when we see the Phala Phala scandal, empty promises and cadre work. “He is just as guilty as the rest of the ANC,” he said.
Steenhuisen said the country had no problems with Eskom, Nersa, Transnet or SAA.
“We have an ANC problem.”
Steenhuisen’s signature curry dish
John Steenhuisen said he grew up in Durban and as a councilor in Durban, he was invited to many dinners where he experienced various spices.
“Curry is more complicated than stew. Curry is made from the bottom up.”
- Start with onions, butter and garlic; fry until golden.
- Add mother’s masala (Steenhuisen’s favorite spice).
- Add fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds and chilli powder.
- Chocolate meat.
- Add the can of tomatoes, and let it boil.
- Add the potatoes an hour before you are ready to serve them.
- Add garam masala seeds and fresh coriander and serve with rice and roti.
– marizkac@citizen.co.za