By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The newly appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Willie Aucamp, has submitted a formal complaint to the Public Protector requesting an investigation into the possible abuse of state resources by his predecessor Dr Dion George.
In a statement released on Sunday, 28 December, Aucamp confirmed that he has lodged a formal complaint with public protector.
He is requesting an investigation into Dr. George, his then advisor and acting chief of staff, Shelton Mollentze, and his then personal assistant, Traverse le Goff.
The claims include improper use of department funds or assets for personal or unauthorised purposes.
Aucamp replaced Dr. George as minister last month on 12 November 2025.
In removing Dr. George, President Cyril Ramaphosa acted on a request from Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, replacing him with Aucamp in a Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet adjustment.
George was the first DFFE minister in years to meaningfully take a stand against South Africa’s captive lion industry and the associated lion bone trade.
He was also a strong defender of South Africa’s National Elephant Heritage Strategy (NEHS) when it was gazetted earlier this year.
The complaint follows Aucamp’s assumption of office, during which he was made aware of a “baseless investigation into his private business affairs”.
Aucamp is a wildlife ranch owner and an advocate for the hunting industry.
The investigation into Aucamp appears to have been potentially politically motivated and aimed at falsely linking him to the lion breeding industry.
The Public Protector’s office, tasked with probing maladministration and corruption, is now expected to review the complaint.
Dr George has not responded to our request for comment regarding the complaint, but his past statements suggest he would defend his actions as in the public’s interest. For Aucamp, pushing this forward could solidify his position but risks the internal division withing the party.
Dr. George, who also wears the hat of DA federal finance chairperson, revealed he had revoked party leader John Steenhuisen’s credit card earlier in the year due to unreconcilable expenses, including a personal uses such as Uber Eats orders for his family.
Steenhuisen, who denied the allegations, also faced additional scrutiny over a May 2025 court default judgment for nearly R150 000 in unpaid personal credit card debt.