The storm is far from over for Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, despite being cleared by an internal party probe into allegations that he misused a party credit card.
Steenhuisen, who has also been subjected to a garnishee order by a commercial bank over an unpaid R150,000 credit card debt, reportedly repaid the amount owed to the DA. This repayment ultimately resulted in the internal finding that he was not guilty of misconduct.
However, while the DA has maintained that there was no wrongdoing, the party’s former head of finance and ex-minister, Dion George, has now lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector. George alleges that Steenhuisen interfered in the operations of the Department of Environment and Forestry for the benefit of his ally, Willie Aucamp, whom he recommended to succeed him as minister.
George claims his removal from the Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet followed his refusal to meet and cooperate with stakeholders in the controversial lion canning industry. He alleges that his successor, Willie Aucamp, is an active participant in the industry and is now using his ministerial position to advance his own interests and those of close associates.
According to George, tensions escalated further when he rejected what he describes as an unlawful attempt by Steenhuisen to transfer regulatory oversight of the canning function to the Department of Agriculture. He says this decision angered the DA leader and contributed to his dismissal.
In the complaint filed with the Public Protector earlier this week, George also accuses Aucamp of failing to disclose his commercial interests in the sector he oversees, effectively placing him in a position of both regulator and beneficiary.
“His failure to disclose his personal commercial interests and his conflict of interest constitutes a breach of the Executive Ethics Code,” George said.
George further raises concerns about policy and administrative decisions taken by Aucamp, including South Africa’s position at the recent Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) conference.
“The withdrawal of protection for abalone, known as Haliotis midae, at the recent CITES summit constitutes unlawful interference by Aucamp,” George added.
Steenhuisen has dismissed the complaint, arguing that participation in wildlife-related businesses does not automatically disqualify an individual from public office. He has characterised George’s allegations as part of an internal plot to remove him as party leader and has vowed to retaliate.
If substantiated, the allegations against Steenhuisen and Aucamp would amount not only to political interference but to state capture—an abuse of power the DA has repeatedly claimed to oppose.
Despite facing mounting financial pressure and allegations of near insolvency, Steenhuisen is seeking re-election for a third term as DA leader and is reportedly still considered a frontrunner.
The DA’s long-standing governance of the Western Cape, along with its recent participation in the GNU, has increasingly drawn criticism, challenging the party’s claim that it governs more effectively than its rivals.
Meanwhile, DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille has warned both Steenhuisen and George to cease their public disputes, cautioning that continued infighting could result in disciplinary action, including expulsion from the party.