Never too late! John Steenhuisen returns to study after 30 years

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has vowed to pick up on his studies in 2025 after dropping out more than three decades ago…

Minister of Agriculture and Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has revealed his plans to return to his studies after dropping out for financial reasons.

The politician has previously been mocked for just having a Senior Certificate (Matric).

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.

JOHN STEENHUISEN TO STUDY AGAIN
In a video posted on social media, UNISA revealed that John Steenhuisen had registered to continue his academic education via distance learning in 2025.

The minister would like to pursue areas of interest, including management, public policy, governance, and change management, which he plans to focus on for further upskilling.

He said: “Now, holding a key office in government, there are certain skills that I would like to acquire that would help me do my job better.

“And Unisa gives me the flexibility to work and study. Therefore, I intend to continue with my qualification”.

COLLEGE DROPOUT TO CABINET

Before being sworn in as Minister of Agriculture, 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, John Steenhuisen does not have a university degree. While he initially registered to study a BA in Politics,  Steenhuisen 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 studying stint.

In a tweet posted in late 2018, John shared several certificates of merit for attaining distinctions in various political modules. “I did rather well,” he tweeted.