George exits, claiming the DA is ‘captured’ by the ANC

January 15, 2026 35

Former minister and Democratic Alliance (DA) MP, Dion George, has accused DA leader John Steenhuisen of being captured by the African National Congress (ANC) and other alleged criminal interests.

George announced his resignation from the DA in an exclusive interview with eNCA on Thursday, saying the situation within the party had become intolerable.

A DA member since 1995, George has now decided to step down as chairperson of the party’s federal finance committee and as a member of Parliament.

He was recently dismissed as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, and was replaced by Willie Aucamp.

In a strongly worded statement, George spilt the beans, alleging that Steenhuisen has been compromised due to his financial vulnerabilities.

“The DA leadership is unable to defend and articulate the clear blue waters that previously existed between the DA and the ANC on issues that are crucial for South Africa’s future,” George said. “Instead they are silent because they know if they speak up like I did they will be axed and their reputations trashed.”

“They all know Steenhuizen as the DA leader is financially compromised and now beholden to the ANC president.”

George says the DA has completely lost its voice and its ability to lead in South Africa’s interests.

“Steenhuisen’s personal financial vulnerabilities leaves the DA with a leader who cannot challenge the ANC in the GNU, who is willing to throw countless loyal hard-working DA leaders like me to the wolves when they stand up for DA members and South Africa’s interests, and who cannot exit the GNU under any circumstances given that he’s completely financially compromised,” he added.

In response, the DA acknowledged George’s resignation, saying it’s unfortunate that he left before answering a pending disciplinary process before the party’s Federal Legal Commission.

The party says George faced several allegations, including:

1. That staff appointments to his ministerial office were done in a way that unjustifiably raised their salaries, at public expense;

2. That staff in his ministry sought departmental information to pursue internal party political matters; and

3. Bringing the party into disrepute through the media.

🇿🇦 It is unfortunate that Dr. Dion George has resigned before answering a pending disciplinary investigation by @Our_DA Federal Legal Commission on allegations leveled against him.

These include:

1. Allegations that staff appointments to his Ministerial office were done in a… pic.twitter.com/Ooh8Db1hmt

— Karabo Khakhau MP (@KaraboKhakhau) January 15, 2026

Some social media users have reacted to the resignation and the allegations.

Well this has aged like fine wine. According to Dion George, this is exactly what has been happening. The only thing worse than a lousy government is lousy opposition. SA has both. DA will bleed numbers next election.

— CC (@Craw1ers) January 15, 2026

The reason i supported Dr @mphophalatse1 for the leadership of the @Our_DA three years ago it was because Mr Uber Eats wasn’t the sharpest knife in the draw. unfortunately no official statement can fix this mess. Dion George is right, we are heading in the wrong direction. pic.twitter.com/0qukomaCrH

— Zakhele Dubazane (@Zak_Dub2023) January 15, 2026

Dion George’s resignation matters more than Zille’s statements. Zille’s public statements do not negate Dion George’s resignation reasons. His reasons are specific, not vague. They concern accountability, enforcement & moral governance. There is no substantive rebuttal addressing… https://t.co/FNHTCqPgIL

— Mkhoshi Duma 🇿🇦 (@MabhedlaKa) January 15, 2026

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

ANC Democratic Alliance Dion George Helen Zille Steenhuisen Willie Aucamp