Serving in the South African government for the first time, the Democratic Alliance (DA) - perceived as primarily representing racial minorities - portrays itself as a squeaky clean party but has suffered a major blow after its leader John Steenhuisen became engulfed in several scandals.
This forced him to announce he will step down as party leader, opening the way for a potentially divisive contest between a black and white candidate to succeed him.
Race remains a major faultline in South Africa. The ending, 32 years ago, of the legalised form of racism, apartheid, that came with the rise to power of Nelson Mandela's African National Congress (ANC) has not totally erased the divisions.
The ANC has remained in government ever since, with the DA joining it for the first time after the 2024 election failed to produce an outright winner.
The DA secured six ministerial posts in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet, with Steenhuisen holding the agriculture portfolio.
