South Africa: John Steenhuisen leaves Agriculture Ministry

John Steenhuisen has left his post as Minister of Agriculture in South Africa, following a request from his own party, the Democratic Alliance. He was reassigned as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. Willie Aucamp, previously Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, succeeds him. Criticism over his handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, particularly the state monopoly on vaccine distribution, led to his removal.