CAPE TOWN - Former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George has accused DA party leader John Steenhuisen of being captured by the African National Congress (ANC) and other criminal interests.
He says it is this very same capture that has seen the DA being muzzled and losing its ability to lead South Africa's interests.
During an exclusive interview with eNCA on Thursday, the now former senior DA member announced his resignation from the party.
George resigns just months before the party’s next Federal Congress.
George joined the party 31 years ago.
George maintains that the participation of the DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU) could have succeeded under principled leadership, but claims this was undermined by Steenhuisen's approach.
The rift in the DA’s internal divisions started to show in November when Steenhuisen requested that George be removed as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
He was replaced by the party’s national spokesperson Willie Aucamp.
Addressing the speculation surrounding George’s removal, Steenhuisen said the departure was not due to external pressure and interests.
“The DA entered the Government of National Unity in June 2024 with a clear mission: to confront South Africa’s most urgent challenges and to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens."
"Central to this commitment to putting people at the centre of our concerns is our ongoing fight for the implementation of bold economic reforms that will unlock growth, attract investment, and create jobs,” Steenhuisen said at the time.
Days after he was removed from the Cabinet, George responded by cancelling an official DA credit card issued to Steenhuisen.
He alleged the leader had misused funds.
Weeks into his new office, Aucamp lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector against George, his former adviser, Shelton Mollentze, and personal assistant Traverse le Goff.
Aucamp accused George and the former staff members of launching a politically motivated investigation that he says falsely linked him to the lion breeding industry.
George, in turn, asked the Public Protector to probe Aucamp for allegedly failing to disclose commercial interests and conflicts of interest.