DA Leader, Johan Steenhuisen sanctions axe on Environment Minister, Dion George. Photo by: Supplied
(The Post News) – Democratic Alliance (DA)leader, Johan Steenhuisen is faced with rapid growing criticism following the removal of the Environment Minister, Dion George. Real questions have been sparked as people question this decision and now demand concrete answers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa axed George on the 12th of November 2025 and replaced him with Willie Aucamp, DA spokesperson. This was a request made by Steenhuisen and the only reason given is “underperformance”. However, detractors argue that there certainly is more that meets the eye and is not just limited to performance dissatisfaction.
Minister within the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stated that George publicly articulated positions at COP30 that were contrary to the agreed government line. Steenhuisen denied all allegations of external pressures playing a role. He insisted that the decision was based on strengthening the DA’S contribution to the Government of National Unity (GNU).
DA Must Face Repercussions
Environmental groups have accused the DA of being agreeable to wildlife-breeding and hunting lobbies. George being well-known for his progressive stance, he put lion-bone quotas to a halt and thrived for tighter security of lion breeding. Critiques cautioned that Aucamp’s appointment might signal a tilt towards pro-hunting interests. His connections to game farming and trophy hunting have raised concerns of conflict-of-interest.
As the tension rises for DA internally, the party’s Federal Executive, alongside Helen Zille have given out an instruction of there being a full investigation. A controversial and messy public feud broke out between George and Steenhuisen over alleged misconduct, fund embezzlement, credit card misuse and governance issue.
George, following his axing mentioned that he respects the party’s decision and will remain committed to environmental issues and will continue to serve South African citizens. However, with the reshuffling on its way prior to COP30 negotiations where he was a leading delegate, man are left with questions regarding the true nature of his removal. Was it driven by ideaology and not limited to just under performance?
Reaction of the Public Towards George’s Removal
The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA), NSPCSA and various animal care organizations have sent letters to the President, urging him to reject the appointment of Willi Aucamp. The organizations argue that Aucamp has undeniable conflict of interests involving his family. WAPFSA cautioned that Aucamp’s appointment may lead to crooked laws towards private hunting/breeding. Which in turn undermines the concept of conservation and integrity.
Analysts noted that the DA signals an internal shift and that the replacement of George might reflect a pro-hunting and pro-breeding. This can be used as a strategy to gain more influence in the party. Political commentator, Adam Cruise, describes this as “calculated manoeuvre”. Suggesting that it is designed to reinforce influence of wildlife -farming lobby.
Investigative voices suggest that this might be a political-infested move. George is replaced by someone who is “easy-to-use” and is a trophy-hunting lobbyist.
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