The public spat between the former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, and DA Leader John Steenhuisen has now led to George resigning from the party and as MP, citing an “intolerable” situation and alleging he was pushed out of the party.

In an exclusive interview with eNCA earlier today, George accused DA leader John Steenhuisen of abusing his position, being financially compromised, and allowing the party to be “captured” by the ANC and criminal interests.

George was removed as Minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2025, following a request from Steenhuisen, with the official reason citing underperformance and a need to strengthen the DA’s role in the GNU.

But George claims Steenhuisen acted under the influence of illicit networks, and that a smear campaign was used to justify his removal from Cabinet.

He also alleges serious financial irregularities involving Steenhuisen’s DA credit card, calling for an independent forensic investigation. The DA earlier this week cleared Steenhuisen on the credit card claims. 

George says she was targeted for refusing to be co-opted, for challenging ANC leaders on corruption, mining and emissions, and for taking a hard line against illicit wildlife trafficking and the captive lion industry.

In a statement, DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille says it’s unfortunate that George has stepped down before facing a pending disciplinary process.

Zille says the Federal Legal Commission was set to hear allegations relating to staff appointments in his ministerial office, the use of departmental information for internal party matters, and bringing the party into disrepute.

She says it would have been preferable for George to go through the process to test the claims, adding that the rest of the disciplinary process, which Steenhuisen is also facing, will continue.