DA in turmoil: Leadership, credit card, harassment allegations swirl

Internal tensions within the Democratic Alliance (DA) have escalated following the removal of Dion George as Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. 

George claims his dismissal was linked to his opposition to illicit wildlife trafficking. 

The conflict intensified with reports of party leader John Steenhuisen allegedly misusing a DA credit card, sparking debates about accountability and leadership within the party.

Dr Piet Croucamp of the Department of Politics and International Relations at North-West University describes the situation as a mix of personal power struggles and ideological divisions, particularly over issues like economic policy and wildlife management. 

Croucamp notes DA leaders have traditionally managed internal conflicts discreetly.

"Those things would have been dealt with inside the party. But of course, when it becomes too personal for even the political party to deal with it, that type of stuff will come out. That's why you have this expectation of political leaders that they won't indulge in matters which can be controversial."

To listen to Croucamp in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click below: