Nominations for the position closed on Friday night and the position was uncontested with only one nomination, according to DA caucus chairperson Annelie Lotriet, who had been acting in the position. 

After Mmusi Maimane resigned as DA MP and parliamentary leader earlier this week, Steenhuisen automatically ceased to be the party's chief whip. 

His term was tied to that of the parliamentary leader. Steenhuisen in an interview earlier this week said that he had been approached by several DA members to run for party leader, but wanted "the bodies to cool" first while he "gives it consideration". 

The DA's Federal Council (FedCo) will meet on November 17 to elect an interim leader and interim chairperson of the party. She also claimed that they have "steadied the ship".

News24