DA leaders accused of using state resources in party factional squabbles

AN INTERNAL power struggle in the DA is believed to be at the centre of the latest attempt to have axed forestry, fisheries and environment minister Dr Dion George probed by the public protector following a complaint lodged by his successor Willie Aucamp.

- MANYANE MANYANE and THAMI MAGUBANE

Aucamp wants George investigated over his alleged misuse of state resources for a political 'smear operation.

Aucamp was appointed in November after DA leader, John Steenhuisen, asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove George citing “underperformance” and “mismanagement” as the primary reasons for the removal.

When he assumed office, Aucamp claims that is when he became aware of a baseless investigation into his private business affairs.

This investigation, he claims, falsely sought to associate him with the lion breeding industry — an industry with which he states he has no connection. And he says it may have been politically motivated.

George had previously denied Steenhuisen’s claims of “underperformance” and “mismanagement”, suggesting his removal was a retaliatory move after he, in his capacity as the DA’s federal finance chairperson, questioned Steenhuisen’s spending habits.