DA Infighting Escalates: Zille Steps In Amid Steenhuisen-George Credit Card Clash

Senior DA figures clash over ministerial appointments and misuse of party funds, as Helen Zille calls for calm

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is facing one of its most public internal battles in recent memory. Tensions erupted after party leader John Steenhuisen reportedly requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Dion George from his ministerial post, sparking a bitter public exchange over party finances and ethics.

Ministerial Moves Trigger Fallout

George, the DA’s federal chairperson for finance affairs, was serving as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) when reports emerged that he had resisted a request from Steenhuisen to step down to a deputy ministerial role in Trade, Industry and Competition.

Sources indicate George’s removal was attributed not only to alleged poor performance but also unprofessional behavior and concerns over his international travel schedule. Following George’s departure, Willie Aucamp, one of the party’s national spokespeople, was appointed to lead DFFE.

The fallout, however, didn’t end with ministerial shuffles.

Credit Card Allegations Spark Public War

George retaliated by accusing Steenhuisen of misusing the DA’s official credit card. Allegedly, the card was used for personal expenses, including food deliveries from Uber Eats for Steenhuisen’s family, among other household costs, expenditures that George contends were not party-related.

“The credit card is strictly for business purposes as party leader, such as meals with donors or transport for party affairs,” George reportedly stated.

Reports also resurfaced of Steenhuisen’s personal financial troubles, with the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court issuing a default judgment in May 2025 against him for nearly R150,000 in unpaid personal credit card debt.

The disagreement over the credit card turned into a public tit-for-tat exchange, leaving party loyalists and political observers questioning internal discipline and accountability.

Zille Intervenes: Party Rules Take Center Stage

Recognizing the reputational risk, DA Federal Executive chairperson Helen Zille called for an end to the public airing of grievances.

In a Sunday night meeting, the Federal Executive (FedEx) resolved to refer the matter to the party’s Federal Legal Commission for a full investigation. This probe will examine alleged violations of the DA’s constitution and rules, particularly regarding financial conduct and internal governance.

Zille issued a stern injunction:

“All parties, directly or indirectly involved, are to cease prosecuting their arguments through the media. The party’s processes must be allowed to take their course.”

Her intervention signals a clear attempt to restore discipline and prevent further public embarrassment for South Africa’s official opposition.

Public Reaction and Political Context

Social media has been alight with commentary. Some members of the public have expressed frustration over what they see as a distraction from governance and policy, while others view the clash as a healthy airing of accountability issues within the DA.

Political analysts note that the spat highlights deeper tensions over party finances, ministerial appointments, and internal power struggles, which may erode public confidence if left unresolved.

With the Federal Legal Commission set to investigate, all eyes are now on how the DA will navigate its internal rifts without further damaging its reputation ahead of key local and national elections.

{Source: IOL}

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