President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially fired the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dion George, following weeks of public speculation.

The Presidency confirmed George’s removal on 12 November 2025, after reports surfaced about his dual citizenship in South Africa and the United States.

However, sources suggest that his removal had less to do with citizenship and more with his performance as a minister.

RAMAPHOSA FIRES DION GEORGE AND APPOINTS NEW ENVIRONMENT MINISTER

Ramaphosa has appointed the Democratic Alliance’s national spokesperson, Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp, as the new minister.

According to Moneyweb, George was offered a new position as the deputy minister of Trade and Investment during discussions about his removal.

Reports indicate that he declined the offer.

Consequently, Ramaphosa appointed Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams to take up the portfolio.

The deputy minister position in trade, industry, and investment had remained vacant since the axing of the DA’s Andrew Whitfield.

He was suspended earlier this year after taking an unauthorised trip to the United States.

CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS QUESTION AUCAMP’S APPOINTMENT

Civil society organisations, including the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA) and the National Council of SPCAs, have raised red flags over Aucamp’s appointment.

In a letter to the president, WAPFSA argued that Aucamp’s private interests could interfere with his policy decisions.

The group also criticised the DA’s unclear stance on the captive lion industry and the controversial lion bone trade.

MINISTERIAL RESHUFFLE TO ENSURE STABILITY

With these appointments, Ramaphosa signalled a renewed effort to stabilise his Cabinet and executive.

Moreover, the president wished both Aucamp and Abrahams well in their new roles.