Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr. Dion George from the position of Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment.
In a terse statement late Wednesday, 12 November 2025, President Ramaphosa announced that: “In accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I have appointed Mr. Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
“Consequently, I have removed Dr. Dion George from the portfolio in accordance with section 91 (2) of the Constitution.
“Furthermore, I have appointed Ms. Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister, Trade, Industry and Competition, in accordance with section 93 (1) (a) of the Constitution.
“I wish Mr. Aucamp and Ms. Abrahams well in their portfolios.”
President Ramaphosa did not give any reasons for the changes in the executive.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA), the party of the axed minister, confirmed that Dr. George has been dropped from the Cabinet.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said while his party takes note of the speculation surrounding the axing of Dr. George, and he wished to “set the record straight in this regard, not least given the reportage that seeks to make out that his removal is due to external pressure and interests”.
Steenhuisen added: “The simple truth is that it is not”.
He said the DA entered the Government of National Unity (GNU) in June 2024 with a clear mission: to confront South Africa’s most urgent challenges and to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens.
“Central to this commitment to putting people at the centre of our concerns is our ongoing fight for the implementation of bold economic reforms that will unlock growth, attract investment, and create jobs,” Steenhuisen said.
The DA currently holds 12 positions within the National Executive.
“It is therefore 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 teamwork within and outside government as we strive to deliver better governance and improvements to people’s lives.
“In this mission, it is also important for each and every public official to work to an agreed agenda.”
Steenhuisen said he formally requested that the President implement the following changes to the DA’s representatives in the National Executive:
- Mr. Willie Aucamp MP to succeed Dr Dion George MP as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
- Ms. Alexandra Abrahams MP is to fill the vacant position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition.
“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,” Steenhuisen said.
“I thank Dr. George for his service, and look forward to working with him in other important roles.
“I wish Mr. Aucamp and Ms. Abrahams every success as they take up their new responsibilities in the Executive.”
