Ramaphosa Fires Dion George, Appoints Willie Aucamp as New Forestry Minister in DA-Led Shake-Up

DA reshuffle spills into the GNU

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially dismissed Dr Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, appointing Willie Aucamp to replace him, a move that underscores both political pragmatism and the delicate balancing act within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU).

The decision, announced late Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, cited George’s “underperformance”, though the real story appears to stem from within the Democratic Alliance (DA) itself.

“In accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution, the president has appointed Mr Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,” Magwenya said. “Consequently, Dr Dion George has been removed from the portfolio.”

Ramaphosa also confirmed the appointment of Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, replacing Andrew Whitfield, who was dismissed in June.

DA pushes for “capable hands” in Cabinet

While the presidential statement framed the reshuffle as a routine exercise of executive power, sources inside the DA confirm it was party leader John Steenhuisen who initiated George’s removal.

According to party insiders, Steenhuisen had grown concerned over George’s performance and the department’s pace in implementing GNU reforms, particularly in the forestry and fisheries sectors areas seen as vital to rural economies and environmental sustainability.

“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 said, addressing speculation that outside forces had influenced the reshuffle.

“The simple truth is that it is not. Our goal remains to ensure that every DA minister brings integrity, energy, and excellence to their work.”

He added that collegiality and accountability were non-negotiable. “Progress requires steadfast teamwork within and outside government. Every public official must work to an agreed agenda.”

Willie Aucamp: The DA’s trusted communicator steps up

Aucamp, who previously served as the DA’s national spokesperson, is known for his sharp communication style and close alignment with the party’s reformist agenda.
He now steps into a ministry that faces mounting challenges, from illegal fishing syndicates and forestry mismanagement to the ongoing climate and biodiversity crisis.

Aucamp’s appointment also signals a generational shift within the DA’s leadership inside the GNU. As one political analyst noted, “The DA is strategically placing loyal, articulate figures like Aucamp into key portfolios to ensure coherence in its message and influence within the unity government.”

For his part, Aucamp has yet to make a public statement, though DA insiders say he is “ready to roll up his sleeves” and restore energy to a department often accused of bureaucratic stagnation.

A Cabinet under constant watch

The reshuffle comes amid growing scrutiny of the GNU, a coalition-style government formed after the 2024 elections brought no outright majority. The alliance includes the ANC, DA, and several smaller parties, each trying to assert its priorities within an already crowded Cabinet.

With twelve DA members currently serving in executive roles, Steenhuisen has made it clear that the party will not hesitate to recall underperforming ministers. “We are committed to strengthening the DA’s contribution to the GNU and advancing the reform agenda our country so desperately needs,” he said.

He thanked George for his service, adding that he would “continue to contribute in other important roles.”

Reactions and what’s next

Political observers have described Ramaphosa’s swift action as a sign of stability and cooperation within the GNU, a rare moment where ANC and DA interests appear aligned.

However, social media reaction has been mixed. Some users applauded the DA’s willingness to enforce accountability, while others questioned whether “underperformance” was simply political code for internal factionalism.

On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:

“So the DA removes its own minister and the ANC president signs off immediately? That’s a strange kind of democracy or maybe, finally, an efficient one.”

For now, Aucamp and Abrahams step into portfolios under pressure to deliver. The real test will be whether this reshuffle leads to visible improvements or just another reshaping of names at the top.

{Source: IOL}

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