The Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) Federal Executive have resolved to refer the internal dispute between party leader John Steenhuisen and recently removed Minister Dion George to the party’s Federal Legal Commission to institute a full investigation, with particular focus on alleged violations of the DA’s constitution.

The executive met on Sunday night to discuss a formal response to the “continuing public airing” of issued between Steenhuisen and George.

During the conflict, numerous allegations have been made, said DA Federal Executive chairperson Helen Zille.

The internal dispute currently flaring within the DA, primarily centers around Steenhuisen and the recent removal of George as Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, which has exposed deeper fractures ahead of the party's 2026 leadership contest.

Last week, the party said Steenhuisen requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa replace George with Willem Aucamp.

Steenhuisen publicly stated that the decision was made to strengthen the party’s contribution to the Government of the National Unity and advance the urgent reform agenda.

He clarified that the removal was not owing to external pressure or interests, as some reports suggested.

Zille said the executive also issued an injunction to everyone involved, either directly or peripherally, to stop prosecuting their arguments through the media, and allow the party’s processes to take their course.