News24 | DA to probe top leadership feud as tensions between Steenhuisen and George erupt

DA Party leader John Steenhuisen and federal chair Helen Zille.

• The DA’s Federal Legal Commission will investigate a dispute between senior members, the party’s Federal Executive decided on Sunday.
• Allegations include financial misconduct by John Steenhuisen and Dion George’s alleged poor conduct and misuse of international trips.
• Both members were urged to halt media disputes as the party prioritises ethical and accountable governance.

The DA’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC) will probe the ongoing spat between two of its senior office bearers, a meeting of the party’s Federal Executive (FedEx) resolved on Sunday.

DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille confirmed in a brief statement on Monday that the FLC would institute a full investigation into what could be described as mudslinging between DA leader John Steenhuisen and DA federal finance chairperson Dion George.

Zille said: “The Democratic Alliance’s Federal Executive met last night to discuss a formal response to the continuing public airing of matters relating to a dispute between senior office bearers of the party. In the course of the conflict, numerous allegations have been made.

“The Fedex resolved to refer the matter to the party’s Federal Legal Commission to institute a full investigation into the issues involved, focusing on alleged violations of the DA’s constitution and rules in the genesis and progression of this dispute.”

Zille said the FedEx had also issued an injunction to everyone involved, either directly or peripherally, to stop prosecuting their arguments through the media, and allow the party’s processes to take their course.

“The Democratic Alliance remains committed to serving all South Africans in an ethical, accountable and responsive manner,” she said.

READ | DA’s ‘Uber Eats’ war: Steenhuisen’s takeaway bill makes Dion George block his party credit card

This is in the wake of heightened tensions between Steenhuisen and George in the past weeks, after the latter was axed as minister of environment, forestry and fisheries.

At the time of his axing, the party cited poor performance; however, more allegations against George have since emerged. They include unprofessional behaviour in his former role and galavanting on international trips, among others.

Meanwhile, Steenhuisen’s poor management of his finances has been laid bare after Daily Maverick reported that the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court had issued a default judgment against him in May 2025 for nearly R150 000 in unpaid personal credit card debt. This occurred despite him earning a R2.69 million annual salary as Minister of Agriculture.

City Press reported on Sunday that Steenhuisen is also accused of abusing his official party credit card by using it to buy takeaways, among other things.

George has referred Steenhuisen’s alleged abuse of the party’s credit card to the FLC. However, Steenhuisen has rebutted and characterised it as a “revenge attempt”.