Overview
- Dion George cancelled his DA membership and resigned as an MP and the party’s federal chairperson of finance after nearly three decades in the party.
- George alleges he was pushed out, saying he learned via the media that John Steenhuisen asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove him while he was at COP30 and that requested documents were not provided.
- George lodged a complaint with the Public Protector seeking investigations into Willie Aucamp’s alleged undisclosed business interests and conflict of interest, and into alleged unlawful interference by Steenhuisen.
- The DA says George resigned before facing a Federal Legal Commission process, as Helen Zille noted pending allegations including salary abuse, political meddling and bringing the party into disrepute.
- The episode has highlighted factional and ideological strains, with analysts warning of possible short-term fundraising effects but limited impact on upcoming local elections.