Cape Town – DA MP Dion George dramatically resigned from the party on Thursday, launching explosive accusations against leader John Steenhuisen over alleged ANC “capture,” financial irregularities, and a vicious internal smear campaign.
George, a long-time DA member since 1995 and former Federal Finance Chairperson, claimed Steenhuisen’s “personal financial vulnerabilities” left the DA “muzzled” and unable to lead in South Africa’s interests.
“I cannot remain in a party that has, through the actions of its current leader, John Steenhuisen, been captured by the ANC and other criminal interests,” he told eNCA live.
“The result of this capture is that the DA has been completely muzzled. [It has] lost its voice and its ability to lead in South Africa’s interests,” stated George.
[BREAKING NEWS] Former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Dion George resigns as member of the Democratic Alliance. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403. #eNCAexclusive pic.twitter.com/pe79FLLZqT
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 15, 2026
The former Environment Minister accused the DA of whitewashing Steenhuisen’s alleged credit card abuse and issued a Public Protector complaint.
George was reportedly gagged and demoted from his ministerial post while attending COP30 in Brazil, with no documentation provided despite lawyer requests.
“Steenhuisen’s personal financial vulnerability leaves the DA with a leader who cannot challenge the ANC in the GNU, who is willing to throw countless loyal hard working DA leaders like me to the wolves when they stand up for DA members and South Africa’s interests and who cannot… pic.twitter.com/71cBZdpI7I
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 15, 2026
Initially supportive of the Government of National Unity, George now says party executives pressured him to bend to GNU partners, sparking his public exit after refusing.
He denied any Deputy Trade and Industry offer, calling his situation “intolerable” amid internal power struggles.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
