By Bernell Simons
Outgoing Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Cabinet Minister John Steenhuisen has forcefully rejected corruption allegations made by former minister Deon George, branding the claims “baseless” and politically driven.
Speaking to Journal News on the sidelines of a vaccination campaign in the Free State on Monday, Steenhuisen dismissed the accusations outright.
“Twak is nat,” he said, meaning the claims “will not succeed”. “I am not corrupt. I have never been corrupt. It’s easy to throw around allegations. If he has proof, he knows what to do — go to the police station, open a case, and let it be investigated.”
Steenhuisen suggested the allegations stem from personal resentment following George’s removal from a ministerial post. He said the decision was based on concerns over what he described as excessive expenditure during George’s short tenure.
“The reality is Deon George is bitter because I removed him as minister — and with very good reason,” Steenhuisen said. “He had spent R24 million on travel alone in the short period that he was minister. That is an excessive amount of money.”
He added that George was offered an alternative role within the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, which he allegedly declined.
“I wanted him to go to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and he refused,” Steenhuisen said. “People serve at the pleasure of the leader, and when a leader makes a decision — irrespective of personal feelings — that decision must be respected.”
Steenhuisen emphasised that leadership transitions within the Democratic Alliance form part of the party’s internal democratic processes.
“As I’ve said earlier, I will respect the decision of whoever the new leader of the DA may be,” he said.
Addressing the corruption claims directly, Steenhuisen insisted the matter had already been handled through proper channels.
“He made ridiculous allegations, and I have been completely exonerated from those,” he said.
The public exchange underscores growing tensions within the DA as senior figures navigate leadership changes and accountability debates. While George has aired his concerns publicly, Steenhuisen maintains that any credible allegations should be tested through formal legal processes — not media platforms.
As the dispute unfolds, it remains to be seen whether legal action will follow, or whether the matter will remain a political war of words within the party ranks.
