President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced changes to his National Executive, which sees the removal of the DA’s Dr Dion George as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. He will be replaced by the DA’s national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, who will be the Minister.

It comes after several days of speculation on the matter, and after DA Leader John Steenhuisen requested the change.

Steenhuisen reportedly offered the role of Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition to Dr George, but he apparently refused. This portfolio was left open after Ramaphosa removed another DA deployee, Andrew Whitfield, in June this year, over an unsanctioned trip abroad.

The Deputy Minister position will now be filled by the DA’s Alexandra Abrahams.

Meanwhile, Steenhuisen has dismissed claims that Dr George’s removal was due to external pressure or political interference.

It has been reported elsewhere that Dr George’s removal will set back recent gains made in conservation, as he was the first environment minister in years to meaningfully move against South Africa’s shameful captive lion industry and the associated lion bone trade.

The National Council of SPCAs has expressed concern, after news reports linked the newly installed Minister, Willie Aucamp, to activities and events involving the captive wildlife industry.

But Steenhuisen says the move aims to strengthen the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) reform agenda.

He said the reshuffle is part of ensuring that the DA’s twelve positions in the National Executive are held by individuals who can best drive reform, integrity, and performance in government.

“Our progress requires steadfast teamwork within and outside government,” Steenhuisen added.

“Every public official must work toward our agreed agenda of growth, investment, and job creation.”

“These appointments will strengthen the DA’s contribution to the GNU and advance the urgent reform agenda our country and its people so desperately need,” he said.

Steenhuisen thanked Dr George for his service and said he looked forward to working with him in other roles within the party. Just days before his sacking, George had travelled to Brazil to lead the South African delegation at COP30.