PRETORIA — Former Democratic Alliance (DA) member Dion George has weighed in on John Steenhuisen’s exit as agriculture minister, stating that the decision follows mounting dissatisfaction over the handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The remarks come as the Presidency confirms that DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has requested a cabinet reshuffle involving key party members to address ongoing political and operational challenges.
George, who was previously axed as environment minister, explained that Hill-Lewis had little choice but to remove Steenhuisen from the agriculture portfolio. He noted that the foot-and-mouth crisis severely alienated a crucial segment of the DA’s voter base, particularly farmers and Afrikaners. Furthermore, Steenhuisen’s office upset these voters with what George described as unacceptable behavior and insults. While acknowledging that Steenhuisen was a great chief whip, George argued he was promoted beyond his capabilities, resulting in a “spectacular failure” as a minister. His proposed move to a deputy minister position is viewed by George as a “soft landing” or a “mattress to catch him,” given his lack of alternatives.
The reshuffle sees Willie Aucamp moving into the agriculture portfolio. George pointed out that Aucamp was previously compromised in the environment portfolio due to his close ties to the captive lion breeding industry and wildlife ranching. Moving him out of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) helps protect the DA from upcoming litigation.
David Maynier is slated to replace Aucamp at the DFFE. George expressed confidence in Maynier’s abilities, citing his smart policy decisions and track record, which includes replacing George as the DA’s finance spokesperson years ago and serving as the Western Cape’s minister of finance, education, and health. A critical task for Maynier will be gazetting the prohibition on new captive lion facilities, a policy passed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) that Aucamp failed to implement. Steenhuisen had previously wanted the agriculture department to take responsibility for wild animals in captivity, a move George strongly opposed.
Another notable appointment is Jack Bloom’s move from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to the national government as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation. George dismissed the idea that this is merely a reward for a long-serving member. Instead, he framed it as recognition of Bloom’s grit and ability to get things done, referencing his effective tenure as the DA’s health spokesperson in Gauteng. George believes Bloom will work well with Minister Pemmy Majodina and actively tackle the country’s severe water and sanitation crisis by presenting practical solutions.
Addressing the personal dynamics between Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, George noted that Hill-Lewis was Steenhuisen’s campaign manager and initially refused to contest the DA leadership while Steenhuisen was at the helm. However, George emphasized that Hill-Lewis set aside personal views for the greater good of South Africa. Polling indicated a hemorrhaging of votes due to the alienation of key demographics, making Steenhuisen’s removal from the agriculture portfolio essential for the party’s survival.
The conversation also touched on recent reports of DA leaders fuming over Helen Zille’s meeting with Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of the civic movement March and March. Zille defended the meeting, stating she had informed Hill-Lewis as a courtesy. George described the controversy as a “storm in a teacup” and “vintage Helen.” He explained that Zille, who is running as a mayoral candidate in Johannesburg, likes to engage with diverse groups to understand their perspectives. Despite occasionally rubbing senior leaders the wrong way, George praised her dedication to the country’s success and her willingness to speak her mind.
When asked if he would return to politics under the new DA leadership, George stated he is currently focused on his financial career and is not a member of any political party. However, he remains interested in politics and believes the DA is moving in the right direction. He defended his past decision to leave and speak out against the party’s previous trajectory, noting he was under a cease and desist order at the time and arguing that silence would have led to a fiasco. George maintained that the DA remains the only party capable of helping South Africa recover. He holds no animosity toward the party, noting he has property in Cape Town and believes the DA runs the city well, emphasizing the need for its continued success there.
