Rumours surround DA’s minister and deputy shake-up

Rumours are circulating that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted names to President Cyril Ramaphosa for a shake-up of the National Executive.

It is understood that MP Alexandra Abrahams has been nominated by her party to become South Africa’s new Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and replace Andrew Whitfield, who was dismissed in June 2025.

The nomination forms part of an expected wider cabinet reshuffle in which Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, the DA’s Dr Dion George, is expected to be replaced by DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp.

The Sunday Times reported that George, who serves as head of finances for the DA and holds dual South African and US citizenship, declined the DTIC post, considering it a demotion and ‘a slap in the face’.

According to reporting, the reshuffle comes amid internal DA discussions ahead of the party’s 2026 elective conference.

Some insiders allege that George had been underperforming in engaging stakeholders and reporting back to the party, while others indicated that political differences with DA leader John Steenhuisen played a role in the decision.

Previously, the DA allegedly had offered the DFFE ministerial position to Western Cape Agriculture Minister Dr Ivan Meyer, and planned to move George to the vacant deputy DTIC position; but both declined.

The party then settled on Aucamp and Alexander, with an alleged majority of the Federal Executive expressing confidence in him as a hard worker.

Abrahams holds an honours degree in political science and an undergraduate degree in international relations from Stellenbosch University, serving as an MP since 2019.

Aucamp serves as an MP and has been the party’s spokesperson for over a year now.

Steenhuisen has formally communicated the DA’s nominations to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Presidency has not yet announced the reshuffle, with a spokesman stating the president will make any announcement when ready.

Steenhuisen said that the final decision rests with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who leads a 10-party coalition government that includes six DA ministers.

The DA’s federal executive has confirmed its new nominees after Ramaphosa dismissed deputy trade minister Andrew Whitfield in June for travelling abroad without permission.

George’s planned removal is being closely watched by environmental activists due to its timing, just weeks before a major international biodiversity summit.

This is where South Africa is expected to reaffirm its opposition to wildlife trade in rhino horn, ivory, and lion bones.

Investigative environmental journalist Dr Adam Cruise has highlighted George’s previous opposition to the canned lion hunting industry, and noted that his removal could shift policy direction in the portfolio.

“This isn’t just a normal reshuffle; there’s a little bit of a political play going on here,” Cruise told Cape Talk.

“Dion George has been, perhaps, the only minister to really stand up to the wildlife and hunting lobby.”

In response to questions from Newsday, DA leader Steenhuisen said that “the constitution of the republic is clear that the President, as head of the executive, appoints and disappoints members of the cabinet.”

“It would be premature of me as the DA Federal Leader to discuss any matter relating to this until the President has applied his mind.”