Former Democratic Alliance (DA) Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has levelled serious allegations against party leader John Steenhuisen, accusing him of conduct “tantamount to cadre deployment” following George’s removal from Cabinet.
George claims Steenhuisen orchestrated his dismissal and replaced him with the current minister, Willie Aucamp, to advance personal and commercial political interests. He argues that Aucamp’s appointment aligned with Steenhuisen’s objectives rather than the party’s or the country’s broader interests.
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The allegations are detailed in an 85-page affidavit submitted to the Public Protector, in which George contends that his removal was engineered to install a successor who would protect specific commercial interests, particularly those linked to the captive lion breeding and hunting industry.
The dispute has surfaced just months before the DA’s elective congress in April, where Steenhuisen is seeking a third term as leader.
Public Protector complaint raises cadre deployment claims
In his submission, George has asked the Public Protector to investigate Steenhuisen’s alleged “unlawful interference with the DFFE’s mandate and functions”, his removal from office, and the appointment of Aucamp.
He also wants scrutiny of what he describes as Steenhuisen’s failure to disclose personal commercial interests and conflicts of interest.
George further called for investigations into Aucamp over alleged undisclosed conflicts, the withdrawal of South Africa’s proposal to tighten abalone trade rules at the 2025 CITES conference, and the non-renewal of a task team tasked with phasing out captive lion breeding.
These claims form part of what observers describe as an increasingly bitter internal fallout within the DA.
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Prior to his removal, George, in his capacity as the DA’s Federal Finance Chair, reportedly revoked Steenhuisen’s access to a party-issued credit card due to unreconciled personal expenses.
Steenhuisen dismisses allegations as party probes continue
Steenhuisen has rejected George’s claims, describing them as “flimsy fabrications” and a “revenge attempt” following George’s removal for alleged poor performance. Both men are currently under investigation by the DA’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC).
George was removed as minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November after a formal request from Steenhuisen, who framed the move as a “standard reshuffle” aimed at strengthening the DA’s performance within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Steenhuisen said the change was necessary to “advance the urgent reform agenda” and ensure the party was represented by its most capable leaders.
George, however, alleges he was dismissed under false pretences to make way for Aucamp, whose family he claims benefits from the lion hunting trade.
Aucamp denies links to captive lion breeding industry
Aucamp has strongly denied the allegations. Speaking on Sunday, he said neither he nor his family had any involvement in the captive lion breeding sector.
“Dr George’s allegations that my family or I are involved in the lion breeding industry are untrue and fabricated,” Aucamp said. He added that while his family is involved in game farming, there are no links to captive lion breeding.
Aucamp also confirmed that in December 2025 he lodged a complaint with the Public Protector against George, accusing him of misusing departmental resources to launch what he called a “baseless” and “politically motivated” investigation into his private business affairs.
He claimed a whistle-blower report used to justify the investigation was fabricated and has since disappeared from official records.
Dispute over ministerial mandates and wildlife policy
Responding on Steenhuisen’s behalf, DA Agriculture spokesperson Joylene Van Wyk said George had exceeded his mandate by making decisions related to wildlife ranching and animal production without consulting the Ministry of Agriculture.
“This I found uncollegial and unhelpful, given the fact that we were colleagues from the same political party,” she said. Van Wyk added that Steenhuisen had repeatedly urged George to consult the agriculture department on matters falling within its legislative and executive scope.
George maintains that his removal reflects Steenhuisen’s abuse of power as DA leader and GNU negotiator. He said Steenhuisen “is abusing his power to advance his own political agenda, which serves his own interests, and not those of the party nor South Africa”.
According to George, this includes encroaching on other ministerial departments to advance what he described as singular commercial interests, posing risks to South Africa’s natural heritage and international reputation.
“Minister Steenhuisen’s direct attack on the independence of Ministerial roles in stand-alone departments is tantamount to cadre deployment. It is further a concerted effort to purge the DA of Steenhuisen objectors, while undermining the Constitution,” the affidavit states.
Alleged pressure and removal without due process
George alleges the dispute began when Steenhuisen demanded that he meet and cooperate with captive breeders, a request he says was framed as a directive rather than a suggestion.
“Steenhuisen suggested to me that captive wildlife should be the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, and that I would then not be concerned about the pressure on me, from the captive breeding industry, if this would be accepted,” George said.
He claims Steenhuisen’s political ambitions in the sector are reflected in his choice of Aucamp, whom he alleges has direct links to the wildlife ranching industry. George also said he learned through the media of Steenhuisen’s alleged approach to President Ramaphosa to replace him.
“I have had a sterling career reputation; my misstep was to attract the ire of Minister Steenhuisen, who has taken serious umbrage to my refusal to accede to overt attempts to hijack DFFE’s mandate,” George said, adding that no investigation or disciplinary process was under way at the time of his removal.
Meanwhile, DA spokesperson Jan de Villiers said the FLC has investigated the matters reported to the Public Protector and will submit its findings to the party’s federal executive, which will consider the commission’s recommendations.
Susan Malema contributed to this article.
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