Eastern Cape
Steenhuisen to Tackle Name Change Row at DA Eastern Cape Congress
GQEBERHA – John Steenhuisen is set to address growing controversy around municipal name changes when he delivers the keynote speech at the Democratic Alliance’s Eastern Cape Provincial Congress this weekend.
The congress, which begins on Friday, 27 February 2026, and concludes on Saturday, 28 February 2026, is being held at Impetus Church in Gqeberha.
According to the Democratic Alliance (DA), Steenhuisen will use his keynote address on Saturday morning to respond directly to public outcry over what the party describes as “desperate name changes” in municipalities across the economically struggling province.
“Changing lives, not changing names”
In his address, Steenhuisen is expected to argue that government’s priority should be improving service delivery and creating jobs rather than focusing on renaming towns and municipalities.
The DA said he will position recent name changes as an indication of governance failure, stating that meaningful transformation should be measured through reliable services, economic growth and job creation.
The Eastern Cape continues to face significant socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment and service delivery backlogs in several municipalities.
DA’s foothold in the province
The party described the Eastern Cape as one of its key provinces, highlighting what it calls progress in municipalities under its governance.
The DA previously governed the Nelson Mandela Bay and continues to govern Kouga Municipality. The party says these municipalities demonstrate its commitment to accountability, service delivery and clean governance.
Steenhuisen’s speech is expected to outline the DA’s vision for safe, economically active and well-managed communities in the province.
Senior leaders in attendance
He will be joined at the congress by DA Federal Chairperson Ivan Meyer, Eastern Cape Provincial Leader Andrew Whitfield and Provincial Chairperson Yusuf Cassim.
The two-day event includes an opening and provincial feedback session on Friday, followed by speeches and the announcement of the Eastern Cape leadership on Saturday.
