President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr Dion George from his position as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, replacing him with DA MP Willie Aucamp at the request of party leader John Steenhuisen. The move, cited as due to underperformance, has sparked outrage among conservationists who praise George's progressive reforms. George, currently leading South Africa's delegation at COP30 in Brazil, stated he respects the party's decision.
On November 12, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the removal of Dr Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, appointing Mr Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp to the role in accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the South African Constitution. The decision followed a request from Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who cited George's alleged underperformance. Ramaphosa also appointed Ms Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition under section 93(1)(a), filling a vacancy since June.
George, who assumed the portfolio in July 2024 after the Government of National Unity formed post-elections, had implemented DA policy by shutting down captive lion breeding facilities, setting the lion-bone export quota to zero, and rejecting proposals to open the rhino horn export market. These actions, aligned with a 2020 court ruling by the National Council of SPCAs, drew lawsuits from 11 members of the SA Predator Association. His tenure saw achievements including signing the High Seas Treaty, chairing a G20 environmental meeting in Cape Town, launching a national coastal adaptation plan, clearing 162 environmental appeals, processing over 3,000 renewable-energy applications, securing an unqualified audit for the department, tightening Eskom emissions oversight, and supporting anti-poaching efforts like a K9 team against abalone smuggling. Conservation groups credited him with enforcing restrictions on sardine fishing to protect African penguin colonies.
Steenhuisen denied external pressures influenced the change, emphasizing the need for capable individuals in the DA's 12 executive positions and collegiality. However, critics, including the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (Wapfsa) and the NSPCA, condemned the appointment of Aucamp, whose family businesses are involved in game breeding and trophy hunting via Aucamp Farming and Bellevue Hunting Safaris. They warned of conflicts of interest under the Public Service Commission Act and potential breaches of anti-corruption laws, urging Ramaphosa to consult before the reshuffle. The NSPCA highlighted risks to South Africa's international reputation on wildlife trafficking.
At the time of the announcement, George was in Belém, Brazil, co-chairing the Adaptation Committee at COP30. In a recent interview, he affirmed: “I’m doing my job without fear, favour or prejudice and will continue.” Post-reshuffle, he told Daily Maverick: “I respect the party’s decision and remain focused on serving South Africa.” The move has exposed divisions within the DA, with some members previously supporting George's crackdown on the lion-bone trade.
