President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in the first significant shake-up of South Africa’s government of national unity (GNU) executive since its formation last year.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Ramaphosa said Willem Aucamp, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) spokesperson on environmental affairs, will replace George as minister.
Alexandra Abrahams has also been appointed Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
The announcement follows DA leader John Steenhuisen’s formal request to reassign George, who is currently leading South Africa’s delegation at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.
The reshuffle marks the DA’s first adjustment to its executive line-up within the GNU, which includes six ministers and six deputy ministers.
JN/APA