Dion George resigns from the DA over ‘intolerable’ tensions amid Steenhuisen credit card dispute
Dr Dion George, the former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has resigned from the DA.
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After months of internal party tensions, former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Dion George has resigned as a member of the Democratic Alliance.
George had been at odds with DA leader John Steenhuisen after he was fired as minister and replaced with Willie Aucamp due to alleged non-performance last November.
In response, George, who was the party's federal chairperson of finance and a Member of Parliament, accused Steenhuisen of abusing his official party credit card for personal expenses.
Earlier this week Steenhuisen was cleared of any wrongdoing as the party's federal executive stated that there was no evidence of misappropriation of party funds in connection with the credit card use
George announced his resignation during a sit-down interview with eNCA, where he read a statement outlining his reasons for leaving the party he joined in 1995.
He said he had written to the DA on Thursday to cancel his membership and had also stepped down as the party’s federal chairperson of finance and as a Member of Parliament.
“The situation has become intolerable. I am being pushed out and it is no longer feasible for me to remain in the party,” George said.
George said his attorneys had repeatedly requested documents relating to his removal, but received neither the documents nor written explanations.
The resignation also comes after Aucamp, lodged a complaint against George, alleging the misuse of state resources for a political smear operation.
In response, George has also filed a formal complaint with the Public Protector against Steenhuisen and Aucamp.
According to the Public Protector, George’s complaint calls for an investigation into the conduct of Minister Aucamp, including “his failure to disclose his personal commercial interests and his conflict of interest, which constitutes a breach of the Executive Ethics Code.”
The allegations against Steenhuisen include “the unlawful interference in the mandate and function of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,” George’s removal as minister, and Aucamp’s appointment, which George argues was inconsistent with the intent of the Government of National Unity.