Former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George has resigned from the Democratic Alliance (DA), ending nearly three decades of membership with the party.
George’s departure follows his removal from cabinet in November, amid a publicised fallout with DA leader John Steenhuisen. In a statement broadcast on eNCA on Thursday, George said his position within the party had become “intolerable.”
He accused Steenhuisen of marginalising him and claimed the DA has been overtaken by the ANC since entering the Government of National Unity. George has also stepped down from his roles as DA Federal Finance Chair and Member of Parliament.
The former minister previously alleged that Steenhuisen misused the party’s credit card and suggested that the internal investigation clearing him was a cover-up. The DA, however, maintains that its Federal Legal Commission found the expenses properly accounted for and cleared Steenhuisen of any wrongdoing.
George’s resignation marks a significant shake-up in the DA, coming at a time of internal scrutiny and leadership tensions within the party.