President Ramaphosa Fires Environment Minister Dion George, Appoints DA’s Willie Aucamp in Surprise Cabinet Reshuffle
President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dion George, appointing DA’s Willie Aucamp as his replacement.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, comes amid claims of underperformance and follows a direct request from DA leader John Steenhuisen. This reshuffle also includes the appointment of DA MP Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, filling a gap left since June. The changes highlight ongoing tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and raise questions about the future of environmental policies in the country.
Official Announcement and Constitutional Basis
The Presidency confirmed the reshuffle in a statement, citing sections of the South African Constitution. Ramaphosa removed George under section 91(2), which allows the president to appoint and dismiss cabinet members. Aucamp’s appointment falls under section 91(3)(b), while Abrahams was named Deputy Minister in line with section 93(1)(a). Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya shared the news, noting that the president wished the new appointees well in their roles.
This is not the first tweak to the cabinet since the GNU formed in June 2024 after the national elections. Earlier, DA MP Andrew Whitfield was dismissed as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition for travelling abroad without permission, leaving the post vacant until now. The latest changes take effect immediately, with Aucamp and Abrahams set to be sworn in soon.
Reasons Behind the Firing: Underperformance or Industry Pressure?
Sources close to the matter point to George’s alleged underperformance as the main reason for his removal. Insiders say he struggled to connect with stakeholders, delivered underwhelming reports to his party, and failed to boost the DA’s visibility ahead of the 2026 local elections. Steenhuisen, who is also Agriculture Minister, formally asked Ramaphosa to make the switch, stressing the need for “integrity, energy and excellence” in public roles. He made it clear that DA members in the GNU must stick to an agreed agenda and work as a team.
However, deeper analysis reveals a more complex story tied to environmental politics. George, seen as a progressive voice, clashed with powerful wildlife breeders and ranchers who profit from activities like captive lion breeding, hunting, and trading animal parts. His policies aimed to reform the sector, including closing the captive lion industry through updated Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) regulations and promoting coexistence with wildlife rather than exploitation. At the COP30 Leaders’ Summit in Belém, Brazil, he spoke against the commodification of animals, arguing for respect and shared heritage.
Critics argue that George’s sacking was orchestrated by these industry players, who form groups like Wildlife Ranching South Africa and the Sustainable Use Coalition of Southern Africa (SUCo-SA). They pushed for deregulation to boost profits, such as easier culling of elephants and sales of by-products like meat or ivory. The timing is suspicious – the call to remove him came right after a workshop finalised lion breeding rules and elephant strategies. Insiders describe it as a “capture” of the department by commercial interests, reversing two decades of conservation reforms.
George also had internal party issues. He was upset about being offered a deputy role earlier, viewing it as a demotion, and defied the DA’s federal executive by refusing to step in for Whitfield. Political differences with Steenhuisen added fuel, leading to his exit.
Profiles of the Key Figures: From George to Aucamp
Dr Dion George, a DA MP and the party’s former head of finances, joined the cabinet as one of six DA ministers in the GNU. He brought a background in economics and a focus on sustainable development, but critics say he lacked strong support within the DA and failed to build a constituency. George declined to comment on his removal, directing questions to Steenhuisen. He is expected to return to other party roles, with Steenhuisen thanking him for his service.
Willie Aucamp, full name Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp, steps in as the new minister. Previously the DA’s national spokesperson, Aucamp hails from humble beginnings in the Northern Cape. He is known for his work ethic and knowledge of forestry issues, which made him a fitting choice after Western Cape Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer turned down the role to stay in his current post. However, Aucamp’s ties to game farming and affiliations with SUCo-SA raise concerns. As a wildlife breeder himself, he could blur lines between regulation and industry interests, potentially shaping policies on quotas, enforcement, and deregulation to favour commercial use.
Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams, the new deputy minister, is a relative unknown in national politics. With an honours degree in political science and an undergraduate in international relations from Stellenbosch University, she has worked as deputy spokesperson for social development. From the Cape Flats, Abrahams is seen as a move to appeal to coloured voters, especially amid rivalry from the Patriotic Alliance. She is described as capable and a close ally of Cape Town’s JP Smith.
Official Reactions and Party Statements
DA leader John Steenhuisen defended the changes, saying they were not due to outside pressure but to ensure the party’s 12 GNU positions are filled by top performers. “Our involvement in the GNU is about fixing South Africa’s urgent problems and delivering real change,” he said. Steenhuisen praised Aucamp and Abrahams, noting the reshuffle would strengthen the DA’s reform efforts while keeping good relations in the coalition.
President Ramaphosa’s office kept it formal, focusing on constitutional powers and well-wishes. No direct comment came from the ANC, but the move shows the GNU’s flexibility – and fragility – as parties juggle internal demands.
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