‘I respect the party’s decision,’ says Dion George after axing

President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), replacing him with the DA party spokesperson Willie Aucamp.

“In accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I have appointed Mr Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. Consequently, I have removed Dr Dion George from the portfolio in accordance with section 91 (2) of the Constitution,” President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a statement on Wednesday night, 12 November.

Read more: The sacking of Dion George — how a progressive minister is being taken down by the wildlife breeders

George was appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment in the Government of National Unity (GNU) after the 2024 elections. 

Last Friday, News24 reported that DA leader John Steenhuisen had asked Ramaphosa to replace George with Aucamp, citing party insiders as saying the proposed changes followed complaints and allegations of underperformance against George. 

George was the first DFFE minister in years to meaningfully take a stand against South Africa’s captive lion industry and the associated lion bone trade, reported Daily Maverick. He was also a strong defender of South Africa’s National Elephant Heritage Strategy (NEHS) when it was gazetted earlier this year. 

Daily Maverick’s Don Pinnock wrote how George’s firing is not just a personnel change, but rather the culmination of a campaign by powerful private wildlife interests to recapture the DFFE and reverse two decades of reform. 

Aucamp is publicly aligned with the wildlife breeding and hunting industry. 

Read more: Steenhuisen’s lion bone gambit — firing the one minister who finally took on the wildlife trade

In a statement on Wednesday night, Steenhuisen said his party took note of what he called “speculation” surrounding George’s departure. 

“I wish to set the record straight in this regard, not least given the reportage that seeks to make out that his removal is due to external pressure and interests. The simple truth is that it is not.

“The DA currently holds 12 positions within the National Executive. It is therefore imperative that these roles are occupied by the most capable individuals our party has to offer — people who bring integrity, energy and excellence to government,” he said.

Steenhuisen added: “Collegiality is crucial. Our progress requires steadfast team work within and outside government as we strive to deliver better governance and improvements to people’s lives. In this mission, it is also important for each and every public official to work to an agreed agenda.”

George is currently in Belém, Brazil, for COP30. 

In response to a request from Daily Maverick for comment, George said: “I respect the party’s decision and remain focused on serving South Africa.”

Alexandra Abrahams replaces Andrew Whitfield

Ramaphosa on Wednesday also announced that he had appointed Alexandra Abrahams to the position of second Deputy Minister for the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). 

Read more: DA still finalising Andrew Whitfield’s replacement, four months later

The position – ostensibly central to the ongoing US-SA trade negotiations – has been vacant since June, when Ramaphosa axed Andrew Whitfield for travelling to the US without his approval.

“Furthermore, I have appointed Ms Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister, Trade Industry and Competition, in accordance with section 93 (1) (a) of the Constitution.

“I wish Mr Aucamp and Ms Abrahams well in their portfolios,” said Magwenya. DM