DA Official Reports Colleague to Public Protector Over Alleged Misuse of State Resources

Key Takeaways

• Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Willie Aucamp has filed a complaint with the Public Protector against his predecessor Dion George for possible abuse of state resources.
• The complaint also asks for an investigation into George’s adviser and acting chief of staff, Shelton Mollentze, and his personal assistant, Traverse le Goff.
• The incident is part of a larger battle within the Democratic Alliance (DA) that could destabilize the party’s leadership ahead of its elective congress in 2026.
• Aucamp’s complaint follows his appointment to office in November and his discovery of a "baseless" investigation into his private business affairs.
• The Public Protector’s office has confirmed receipt of Aucamp’s complaint and is assessing it according to standard procedures.

Introduction to the Scandal
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willie Aucamp, has confirmed that he has filed a complaint with the Public Protector against his predecessor, Dion George, for the possible abuse of state resources during his time in office. This move comes after a City Press report revealed that Aucamp had asked the Public Protector to investigate George over accusations of abuse of state resources and a fabricated whistleblower report. The complaint, which was filed on December 26, also requests an investigation into George’s adviser and acting chief of staff, Shelton Mollentze, and his personal assistant, Traverse le Goff.

The Background of the Complaint
Aucamp’s complaint to the Public Protector follows his appointment to office in November, after which he was made aware of a "baseless" investigation into his private business affairs. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) stated that the investigation appeared to be "potentially politically motivated and aimed at falsely linking" Aucamp to the lion breeding industry, an industry with which he has denied any association. Aucamp has stated that he will not shy away from his duty as Minister and will act against anyone in his department who has been alleged to have misused state resources, regardless of their position or past role.

The DA Internal Spat
The incident is part of a larger battle within the Democratic Alliance (DA) that could destabilize the party’s leadership ahead of its elective congress in 2026. George was removed from office in November after a request from DA leader John Steenhuisen, amid reports of allegations and complaints of underperformance against George. The fallout from George’s removal has seen the Steenhuisen and George camps in the DA at loggerheads, with accusations flying back and forth in the media. George has been accused of "bullying" and "psychologically intimidating" staff, undertaking too frequent international trips, practicing "apartheid" in his office, speaking ill of his colleagues, and sexual misconduct, all of which he has denied.

The Fabricated Whistleblower Report
According to the City Press report, Aucamp believes that George wanted to discredit him and scupper his appointment as Minister with a fabricated investigation before it was ratified by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The publication reported that a few weeks before Aucamp was appointed as Minister, Mollentze asked staff to probe his alleged "illegal lion farming" involvement. However, Aucamp claimed that the department could find no "evidence" against him of his involvement in lion facilities, while the whistleblower report that triggered the investigation – allegedly fabricated by George – mysteriously disappeared.

The Response from the Public Protector
The office of the Public Protector has confirmed receipt of Aucamp’s complaint and is assessing it according to standard procedures. The Public Protector, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, will determine whether any abuse of state resources occurred and investigate the allegations against George, Mollentze, and le Goff. The DA’s federal executive has decided to refer the matter to the party’s federal legal commission to institute an investigation into the conflict between party members.

The Implications of the Scandal
The scandal has significant implications for the DA and its leadership. The party is already facing internal conflicts and divisions, and the allegations against George and his associates could further destabilize the party’s leadership. The investigation by the Public Protector and the federal legal commission will be closely watched, and the outcome could have significant consequences for the DA and its members. The scandal also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the party and the importance of addressing internal conflicts and allegations of misconduct in a fair and transparent manner.