South Africa's environment minister, Willie Aucamp, has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector against his predecessor, Dion George, alleging possible abuse of state resources. This move intensifies internal conflicts within the Democratic Alliance ahead of the party's 2026 elective congress. The complaint also targets George's former adviser and personal assistant.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is facing heightened internal divisions following Environment Minister Willie Aucamp's formal complaint to the Public Protector on 26 December. Aucamp accuses former minister Dion George of possible abuse of state resources during his tenure, a claim first reported by City Press on 28 December. The complaint extends to George's then-adviser and acting chief of staff, Shelton Mollentze, and his personal assistant, Traverse le Goff.
Aucamp's action comes after his appointment in November, replacing George who was removed by DA leader John Steenhuisen amid allegations of underperformance. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) described a prior investigation into Aucamp's private business affairs as baseless and potentially politically motivated. It allegedly aimed to link him falsely to the lion breeding industry, which Aucamp denies any association with. Reports suggest George may have fabricated a whistleblower report to discredit Aucamp before his ministerial ratification by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a DFFE statement, Aucamp affirmed his commitment: “I will not shy away from my duty as Minister and will act against anyone in my department who has been alleged, on a prima facie basis, to have misused state resources, irrespective of what position such individuals hold or have held in the past. I have therefore, in my capacity as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, fulfilled my duty and submitted a comprehensive report to the Public Protector detailing all the information and evidence available to me.” He added that any use of state resources for personal or political purposes is unlawful, and the investigation will clarify if abuse occurred.
The Public Protector's office confirmed receipt of the complaint on Monday, with acting spokesperson Ndili Msoki stating it is under assessment per procedures. George, who has been DA's federal finance chair since 2005, faces additional accusations of bullying staff, excessive international travel, office discrimination, and sexual misconduct, all of which he denies. He has filed a defamation suit against News24 and declined comment to Daily Maverick, though he denied authorizing any investigation into Aucamp or abusing resources when speaking to City Press.
The DA's federal executive has referred the broader conflict to its federal legal commission for investigation, signaling potential instability in leadership as the 2026 congress approaches. Environmental groups have raised concerns over Aucamp's ties to the wildlife breeding sector, requesting proof of no conflicts of interest.
