Cape Town – The DA is facing internal tensions after former Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George accused party leader John Steenhuisen of orchestrating his removal from government for personal and political gain, allegations he describes as cadre deployment.
The claims are detailed in an 85‑page affidavit submitted to the Public Protector.
According to IOL, George argued that Steenhuisen’s decision to remove him and appoint Willie Aucamp was motivated by narrow interests, particularly linked to the captive lion breeding and hunting sector.
In the affidavit, George said that Steenhuisen “interfered in the independence of stand‑alone ministerial roles” and sought “to purge the DA of those who oppose him, while undermining the Constitution.”
George also requested that the Public Protector investigate Aucamp for alleged conflicts of interest and questioned decisions such as the withdrawal of South Africa’s proposal on abalone trade rules at the 2025 CITES conference.
Steenhuisen has denied the allegations, calling them “flimsy fabrications” and a “revenge attempt.”
Both men are reportedly under review by the DA’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC), which is expected to report its findings to the party’s federal executive, as stated by The Citizen.
The dispute comes ahead of the DA’s elective congress in April, where Steenhuisen is expected to seek a third term as leader. Critics have warned that public airing of internal conflicts could hurt the party’s credibility and unity.
Aucamp has rejected claims linking him to the captive lion breeding industry, saying such allegations are “untrue and fabricated.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
