John Steenhuisen has won the praise of many South Africans for taking the interests of the country to the White House in a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The Minister of Agriculture and leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) was one of several members of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s delegation to the US, particularly to address the concerns of white, Afrikaner farmers.
The meeting sought to engage with trade relations as well as mend the fragile diplomatic relations between the two countries.
‘GOOD TO BE AT THE WHITE HOUSE’
On his X account, John Steenhuisen reflected on his first visit to the White House.
He posted, “It was good to be at the White House today with the South African delegation. Thank you to President Trump for his welcome, a great lunch, and a good constructive discussion. We will always advance South Africa’s interests.”
Like businessman Johann Rupert, Steenhuisen told President Trump that violent crimes in South Africa was not exclusive to white, Afrikaner farmers.
He said: “It affects all farmers in SA, particularly stock theft that has a disproportionate effect on black farmers”.
Last week, John Steenhuisen rubbished claims that there was a “white genocide” or “land grabs” in SA.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, he said: “There is no genocide, there’s no expropriation of farms without compensation in South Africa.
“Yes, we have issues with crime and criminality but these affect all our citizens in the same way and so what we need to do is to make sure that when important trading partners like the USA are making decisions about their outlook, their trade and positioning, they are making it based on the facts and not the fiction.”
JOHN STEENHUISEN: WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DOES MINISTER HAVE?
On the X social media, many South Africans praised John Steenhuisen’s White House address to President Trump.
Some even brought up his lack of academic qualifications and how that was not a hindrance.
Before being sworn in as Minister of Agriculture last year, John Steenhuisen’s academic qualifications and political experience were hot topics among fellow politicians.
After finishing school in 1993, his first known position was that of a ward councillor in 1999, at the age of 22. He then rose through the ranks to become the leader of the DA in 2019.
Unlike other political party leaders and ministers, Steenhuisen does not have a university degree. While he initially registered to study a BA in Politics, he was forced to quit in his first year due to financial constraints and work pressures.
While he may not have a degree, John Steenhuisen did excel during his brief stint.
In an X post in late 2018, John shared several certificates of merit for attaining distinctions in various political modules. “I did rather well,” he shared.
Last year, the Minister of Agriculture and DA leader also revealed his plans to return to his studies after dropping out.
John Steenhuisen is one of a handful of GNU ministers without academic qualifications. Others include Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean MacPherson and Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JOHN STEENHUISEN REPRESENTED SA WELL AT THE WHITE HOUSE?
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