Overview
- President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Willie Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and named Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
- DA leader John Steenhuisen said he formally asked the President to make the change, framing it as a bid to strengthen the party’s representation and reform drive in the National Executive.
- Civil-society groups, including WAPFSA and the National Council of SPCAs, questioned Aucamp’s appointment, citing possible conflicts linked to wildlife breeding and hunting interests.
- George had opposed the captive lion industry and defended the National Elephant Heritage Strategy, fueling concerns that these reforms could be rolled back under new leadership.
- Moneyweb reported that George was offered a deputy trade post and declined, and Daily Maverick noted he is currently in Belém for COP30.