JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Dr Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment over claims of his ‘underperformance’, and replaced him with Willem Abraham Stephanus (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 as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Consequently, I have removed Dr Dion George from the portfolio in accordance with section 91(2) of the Constitution,” presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a statement.
Ramaphosa also appointed Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, in line with section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution.
“I wish Aucamp and Abrahams well in their portfolios,” the president said.
The move follows reports that a Cabinet reshuffle was imminent after DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen requested George’s removal. George was one of six DA ministers serving under the government of national unity (GNU).
Steenhuisen reportedly sought to replace him with the party’s national spokesperson, Aucamp, over allegations of his ‘underperformance’.
In response to media speculation, Steenhuisen said the decision was not driven by external pressure or interests.
“The simple truth is that it is not,” he said. “The DA entered the government of national unity in June 2024 with a clear mission: to confront South Africa’s most urgent challenges and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens.”
Steenhuisen emphasised that the DA currently holds 12 positions within the GNU and that it is vital these roles be filled by capable individuals who bring ‘integrity, energy and excellence’ to government.
“Collegiality is crucial. Our progress requires steadfast teamwork within and outside government as we strive to deliver better governance and improvements to people’s lives,” he said.
“It is also important for every public official to work to an agreed agenda.”
He confirmed that he had formally requested Ramaphosa to implement the changes to the DA’s representation in Cabinet, requesting Aucamp to succeed George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and Abrahams to fill the vacant position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Abrahams replaced DA MP Andrew Whitfield, who was fired earlier this year in June.
“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,” Steenhuisen said.
“I thank Dr George for his service and look forward to working with him in other important roles. I wish Mr Aucamp and Ms Abrahams every success as they take up their new responsibilities in the Executive.”
Aucamp previously served as the DA’s national spokesperson but is still a spokesperson of the party.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr Dion George as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, appointing Willem Abraham Stephanus (Willie) Aucamp as his replacement. (Pic: Democratic Alliance)