Ramaphosa announces new minister and deputy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) Willem ‘Willie’ Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, removing the DA’s Dr. Dion George from the portfolio.

The President also appointed the DA’s Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, a post promised to the DA that has been vacant since Andrew Whitfield was dismissed in June 2025.

The DA currently holds twelve positions within the National Executive. DA leader John Steenhuisen said in a statement that he formally requested that the President implement the changes to the DA’s representatives.

Steenhuisen said that the requests stemmed from the DA’s “imperative that these roles are occupied by the most capable individuals our party has to offer — people who bring integrity, energy, and excellence to government.”

“Collegiality is crucial. Our progress requires steadfast team work within and outside government as we strive to deliver better governance and improvements to people’s lives.”

“These appointments will strengthen the DA’s contribution to the GNU, and advance the urgent reform agenda our country and its people so desperately need,” added the DA leader and Agriculture Minister.

Crucially, Steenhuisen noted that for the DA to achieve its goals in the GNU, it is “important for each and every public official to work to an agreed agenda.”

“I thank Dr George for his service, and look forward to working with him in other important roles.”

Reported riffs

This comes at a time of reported clashes between the previous DFFE minister George and the DA executive.

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 deputy minister post, considering it a demotion and ‘a slap in the face’.

Some insiders allege that George had been underperforming in engaging stakeholders and reporting back to the party, while others cited an alleged toxic culture in the Department.

Insiders in the Department who spoke to Newsday on condition of anonymity said that the toxic workplace environment allegations “could not be further from the truth.”

George’s removal is being closely watched by environmental activists due to its timing and recent major strides made in the department, given George’s proactive approach to conservation.

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.”

Some in the conservation community reacted with outrage to his replacement by Aucamp, a man reportedly closely associated with the wildlife breeding and hunting community.

Three letters landed on Ramaphosa’s desk this week from the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (Wapfsa), the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) and a coalition.

This includes Blood Lions, Humane World for Animals South Africa, Voice4Lions and Animal Law Reform South Africa, urging him to reject Aucamp’s appointment.

“In our view, Mr Willem Aucamp’s private interests could influence the state’s decision-making to his own.”

It was endorsed by organisations including the EMS Foundation, Rhinos in Africa, Wild Law Institute, AllRise Attorneys for Climate and Environmental Justice, South African Faith Communities Environmental Institute and the Biodiversity Law Centre.

George told the Daily Maverick that he “respects the party’s decision and remains focused on serving South Africa.”

Meanwhile, Abrahams takes over from the Whitfield, who was dismissed several months ago for an unauthorised trip to the US.

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