Dion George's resignation from DA sparks accusations

ACCUSATIONS were thrown left, right and centre in the Democratic Alliance (DA), as former Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Dr Dion George announced his resignation from the party. 

George announced his resignation last week 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.

And DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille het die pap dik aangemaak when she claimed that George left the party before answering claims of salary abuse, political meddling, and bringing the party into disrepute.

Zille said George resigned prior to appearing before the party’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC), which had been investigating allegations against him.

She added: “It is unfortunate that Dr. George has resigned before answering a pending disciplinary matter before the DA’s Federal Legal Commission.