Former South African Environment Minister Dion George has launched a defamation lawsuit against News24, alleging a smear campaign caused his dismissal while he was at COP30. He links his firing to his opposition to illicit wildlife trafficking. The legal action targets multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and US, seeking substantial damages.
Dion George, recently dismissed as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, issued a statement on Friday detailing his intent to pursue defamation claims. He described the allegations against him as 'false and defamatory,' claiming they formed part of a coordinated effort to undermine environmental protections and organized crime resistance.
The litigation stems from a News24 article published on 17 October, which included anonymous claims of sexual misconduct against George. He plans to file cases in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, citing those countries' stricter approaches to defamation. George's statement highlighted Naspers, News24's parent company, as reachable through international courts. He aims to seek 'very significant damages,' potentially in the millions of US dollars, and intends to target all involved in the alleged campaign, including possibly Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen.
News24 editor Adriaan Basson responded that the outlet has not been formally notified and will defend any action vigorously. Basson noted they provided George opportunities to comment on related stories.
During his tenure, George implemented key measures against wildlife trafficking, such as uplisting dried abalone to Appendix II of CITES, maintaining a zero quota for lion bone exports to China, and resisting the reopening of rhino horn and ivory trade. He views trafficking as intertwined with broader criminal networks involving drugs, weapons, and human smuggling.
This lawsuit intensifies tensions within the Democratic Alliance, where George's supporters question Steenhuisen's decision-making. Steenhuisen faces separate scrutiny over personal financial issues, including a default judgment for unpaid credit card debt and a suspended party card, potentially risking charges of bringing disrepute to the party.