With crucial local government elections approaching, a public rift between Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen and former party finance chairperson Dr. Dion George has thrown the official opposition into turmoil, prompting a stark warning from a former party stalwart.
The conflict erupted into the open following Dr. George’s resignation from his position as the DA’s federal finance chairperson. In his resignation statement, George leveled serious allegations against the current leadership, accusing them of selling out the party’s principles and purpose to accommodate the African National Congress (ANC) within the Government of National Unity (GNU). He specifically cited foreign policy, alleging a failure to sufficiently oppose South Africa’s alignment with Russia and Iran. George further claimed there had been a “cover-up” regarding an internal party probe into the use of a credit card.
In a televised interview, former DA leader Tony Leon addressed the escalating crisis, cautioning that the party’s image as a credible alternative to the ANC is at stake. “If it becomes consumed by internal conflict, it will lose its primary focus, convincing voters that it is the best alternative,” Leon stated.
While urging the public to treat the “exit interview of a departing or defecting politician” with “caution and circumspection,” Leon did not dismiss the substance of the debate. He noted that George’s charges were “very serious” and raised a pertinent question about the former finance chair’s own actions while in cabinet. “Did Dion George… did he actually bring to the fore the issues he raises now?” Leon asked, suggesting that doing so would have added credibility to his claims.
Leon framed the current moment as potentially “the DA’s finest hour,” given the ANC’s weakened majority, a struggling economy, and high unemployment. However, he warned that the party risks being “hobbled by an internal seminar or dispute” at this critical juncture.
The former leader emphasized that the underlying issue is one of purpose and direction within the GNU, a viewpoint he said George’s statement represents and one that requires proper internal debate. “You don’t want to go into a local government election with trying to be everything to everyone and land up being nothing to no one,” Leon said.
On the specific allegations concerning John Steenhuisen’s handling of party and personal finances, Leon declined to comment on the personalities involved. However, he affirmed that all leaders are subject to public and party scrutiny. He suggested the party’s federal executive would need to answer George’s cover-up allegation directly.
Leon concluded that the electoral damage of the rift “all depends” on how quickly and decisively the party resolves it. “If the party draws a line under this… then I don’t think it will [be damaging],” he said, but cautioned that prolonged “bad headlines” would be detrimental as they divert focus from voters’ core concerns like jobs and crime.
The DA now faces the dual challenge of managing a public leadership dispute and clarifying its governing philosophy ahead of a congress and the upcoming local elections, with a veteran voice warning that its credibility as an alternative hangs in the balance.