DA Member of Parliament Dion George has quit the party in a public rebuke of leader John Steenhuisen and party executives.
Citing a failure of the DA’s role within the government of national unity (GNU) and alleged maladministration over financial irregularities involving Steenhuisen, George said the situation to become “intolerable”.
George accused the party of orchestrating a “smear campaign” against him because he went about his work “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
Dion George resigns from DA
George revealed the alleged internal power struggles within the DA live on broadcaster eNCA on Thursday afternoon.
“I cannot remain in a party that has, through the actions of its current leader, John Steenhuisen, been captured by the ANC and other criminal interests.”
“The result of this capture is that the DA has been completely muzzled. [It has] lost its voice and its ability to lead in South Africa’s interests,” stated George.
George stated that he initially supported the concept of the GNU, as it was the best solution to the complex situation at the time.
However, he accused Steenhuisen of being vulnerable to exploitation by the ANC due to his “personal financial vulnerabilities”.
The former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment said he has since submitted a complaint with the Public Protector detailing Steenhusien’s alleged abuse of power.
*This is a developing story
