DA Leader Confirms Executive Changes to Boost Reform Drive

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has confirmed changes to the party’s members of the national executive, saying the decision is aimed at strengthening the reform efforts of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

In a statement, Steenhuisen dismissed speculation around the removal of Dr Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, saying reporting on external pressure is incorrect.

He said that the DA’s twelve national executive positions must be filled by: "the most capable individuals" who bring: "integrity, energy, and excellence" to government.

Steenhuisen confirmed that he asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint Willie Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, and Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. He said this: "will strengthen the DA’s contribution to the GNU, and advance the urgent reform agenda our country and its people so desperately need."

The move has been welcomed by sensible conservationists, who argue that Dr George’s approach risked undermining a core pillar of South Africa’s conservation success story, namely the commercial utilisation of wildlife, which supports tourism, travel, investment, job creation, and economic activity in rural areas.