In an effort to remove the African National Party (ANC) as the country's ruling party in the national elections held next year, the Democratic Alliance, the largest opposition party in South Africa, re-elected John Steenhuisen as its head on Sunday.

In order to defeat his opponent, former Johannesburg executive mayor Mpho Phalatse, who received only 17% of the vote, Mr. Steenhuisen received 83% of the vote.

Over the ensuing three years, he will be the party's leader.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Steenhuisen said the DA will work with other “like-minded parties” ahead of the 2024 elections.

He, however, ruled out working with the ruling ANC and the smaller opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the upcoming elections.

Mr Steenhuisen took over the reins of the party in November 2019 following the resignation of then DA leader, Mmusi Maimane.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be seeking re-election under ANC - whose popularity has declined in recent years.