Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has recently found himself at the center of social media chatter—not for his policies, but for his changing appearance.
South Africans have taken to X and other platforms to comment on what they perceive as noticeable weight gain over the past few years.
Online Comments Stir Debate
Some critics haven’t held back, with a few even branding the 49-year-old minister a “fat cat” in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
One X user joked, “Lay off the pies,” while others shared side-by-side photos comparing Steenhuisen’s look before and after joining the GNU.
Some even drew comparisons with Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, highlighting their own perceptions of the minister’s changing physique.
Here’s a glimpse of what social media users have been saying:
-
@GodChild51191: “Man, John Steenhuisen has gotten so fat since he joined the GNU government!”
-
@KingMntungwa: “GNU is for looting, even John Steenhuisen is getting FAT.”
-
@ChimCham7: “FAT CAT. At this rate, John’s suits will be so ill-fitting by December.”
Steenhuisen’s Past Weight Journey
While the minister has not publicly responded to the recent online criticism, he has previously discussed his own experiences with weight management.
In 2017, the Democratic Alliance leader revealed that he turned to the banting diet popularized by Tim Noakes to tackle weight struggles.
His efforts paid off, resulting in an impressive 20 kg weight loss.
Public Opinion Divided
The debate over Steenhuisen’s appearance raises wider questions about public figures and body image.
While some argue that commenting on a politician’s weight crosses a line, others feel that scrutiny comes with being in the public eye.
