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Dr. Dion George
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of Willem Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, removing Dr. Dion George from the portfolio.
In a statement, the President says he has also appointed Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen requested the President to sack George over alleged underperformance.
Meanwhile, in a statement Steenhuisen confirmed changes to members of the National Executive to strengthen reform agenda.
He says, “The Democratic Alliance takes note of the speculation surrounding the departure of Dr Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. I wish 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. The simple truth is that it is not.”
Steenhuisen says the DA has 12 positions in the National Executive and that all of the those must be occupied by capable people.
“Accordingly, I 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 to fill the vacant position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.”
