Internal strife leads to resignation of DA's Dr Dion George

The resignation of the DA Federal Finance Chairperson, Dr Dion George, may be linked to the party’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC) report, which exonerated its leader, John Steenhuisen, of allegations involving the misappropriation of funds through a party-issued credit card.

This is according to a source, who labelled the finding as “an attempt” to control damage done by Steenhuisen. 

George announced his resignation from the DA and as a member of Parliament yesterday, citing the “intolerable” situation following months of internal party conflict.

His resignation means the end of nearly three decades as a DA member. 

The resignation comes as the DA prepares for its Federal Congress in April  where leadership positions will be contested.

In November last year, Steenhuisen requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa remove George from his post as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), citing poor performance.

Tensions became public when news emerged that George had blocked Steenhuisen's party credit card. 

He alleged that Steenhuisen misused the credit card for personal expenses, including family household expenses and food orders via Uber Eats. 

George claimed he blocked and removed the card in March 2020 because the expenses could not be reconciled. 

Steenhuisen denied misconduct, asserting he voluntarily returned the card because its administration was “onerous” and moved to a reimbursement system. He characterised George's allegations as a “revenge attempt” following his removal from the Cabinet.

On Monday, the FLC released a preliminary report clearing Steenhuisen of misappropriation. The commission found that expenses were “fully reconciled” and personal costs were reimbursed.

The source, who has spoken anonymously, claims these findings could be one of the reasons behind George’s resignation. 

“Clearly, he is not happy with Steenhuisen, and the fact that he is cleared of the charge related to the party’s credit card. He had to go,” said the source, adding that even though Steenhuisen would be out, the party is protecting its reputation. 

In his letter, George admitted that the report is one of the reasons behind his resignation. 

He said the report was the final straw for him, adding that it is a reflection of what the party has become under failed leadership.

George also added that the DA, under Steenhuisen, has been captured by the ANC and other criminal interests. 

George recently lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector, where he accused Steenhuisen of actions “tantamount to cadre deployment” and orchestrating a “purge” of independent voices within the party.

He added that Steenhuisen’s interference in ministerial roles and the replacement of experienced officials with “loyalists” mirrors the ANC's cadre deployment policy, which the DA has historically campaigned against. 

The DA’s Federal Council Chairperson, Helen Zille, stated that it was “unfortunate” that George resigned before the internal disciplinary processes could conclude. 

Meanwhile, political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said there is more to this saga than meets the eye, adding that it could pose a serious problem, not just for the DA but also for Steenhuisen, as the party prepares to hold its elective conference.

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