Wildlife Forum opposes Willem Aucamp's appointment as Forestry Minister citing conflict of interest

Days before President Cyril Ramaphosa fired Dr Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA) expressed deep concern over the appointment of Willem Aucamp as the new Minister.

On Wednesday, Ramaphosa removed Dion and replaced him with Aucamp after DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen requested the reshuffle. 

In a statement, WAPFSA indicated that it wrote to Ramaphosa urging him to reject Aucamp’s appointment.

The organisation said it believed that Aucamp’s private interests could influence the state’s decision-making to his own advantage, by shaping laws to benefit himself.

"Willie Aucamp, is proudly, explicitly and publicly aligned with South Africa’s hunting and wildlife breeding, including genetically modifying species, specifically for trophy hunting. His family have interests in the hunting and breeding of wild animals for profit.

"Aucamp’s clear alignment with this specific sector which vociferously supports the agriculturalisation of biodiversity makes him an entirely inappropriate candidate for Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment as it stands in stark conflict with South Africa’s environmental legislation and policies as well as international Treaties to which South Africa is a party," said WAPFSA.

Furthermore, WAPFSA said Aucamp's appointment will support his private interest which might influence public decisions.

"Moreover, given that his family will likely benefit commercially from decisions that benefit captive breeding and hunting it may constitute corruption...Services must be provided impartially; fairly; equitably and without bias," added WAPFSA.

George was one of six DA ministers serving under the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

Steenhuisen reportedly sought to replace him with the party’s national spokesperson, Aucamp, over allegations of his “underperformance”.

In response to media speculation, Steenhuisen said the decision was not driven by external pressure or interests.

“The simple truth is that it is not,” he said. “The DA entered the Government of National Unity in June 2024 with a clear mission: to confront South Africa’s most urgent challenges and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens.”

Steenhuisen emphasised that the DA currently holds 12 positions within the GNU and that it is vital these roles be filled by capable individuals who bring “integrity, energy and excellence” to government.

“Collegiality is crucial. Our progress requires steadfast teamwork within and outside government as we strive to deliver better governance and improvements to people’s lives,” he said. 

“It is also important for every public official to work to an agreed agenda.”

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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