Dion George
1Min
South Africa
Jan 15, 2026
A dramatic split has emerged within the Democratic Alliance following the resignation of former minister Dion George, with the party confirming his exit comes amid a pending disciplinary process.
The Democratic Alliance has acknowledged the resignation of Dr Dion George from the party, describing his departure as regrettable given that it occurred before he appeared before the party’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC) to respond to an outstanding disciplinary matter.
In an interview with eNCA, Former Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Dion George announced his resignation as a member of the DA, bringing to an end a 31-year association with the party.
George said his decision to leave was not taken lightly but was the result of what he described as being “pushed out” by DA leader John Steenhuisen. He further cited concerns over the alleged abuse of the party’s credit card by Steenhuisen as a key factor in his departure.
DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille said George was expected to answer to allegations that appointments made in his ministerial office led to unjustified salary increases at the expense of the public. He also faces claims that staff within his ministry accessed departmental information for internal party political purposes and that his conduct brought the party into disrepute through media engagements.
Zille said it would have been preferable for George to participate in the FLC process to allow the allegations to be properly tested. She added that the remaining aspects of the disciplinary process would continue in line with decisions to be taken by the DA’s Federal Executive on Monday.
“We wish Dr George well in his future endeavours,” Zille said.
