DA'S HOUSE OF CARDS COMES CRUMBLING DOWN: LEADERSHIP FEUD REACHES BOILING POINT

DA leader John Steenhuisen under the microscope ahead of 2026 local elections.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian_ Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is implimploding, and the cracks are showing. A bitter feud between party leader John Steenhuisen and finance committee chairperson Dion George has escalated, with George submitting an affidavit to the Public Protector alleging Steenhuisen fired him as environment minister under false pretences.

This is just the latest salvo in a war that's been brewing for months, with accusations of power grabs, corruption, and worse.

The DA's dirty laundry is on full display, and it's not a pretty sight. George, once a rising star in the party, now finds himself on the outside, accused of sexual harassment and mistreatment of staff. But he's fighting back, alleging Steenhuisen orchestrated a smear campaign to remove him.

The allegations are explosive: Steenhuisen abused party funds, including racking up a large Uber Eats bill, and has a personal vendetta against George.

Steenhuisen denies these claims, calling them "flimsy fabrications" designed to distract from George's own misdeeds. But the damage is done.

The DA's reputation is in tatters, and the party's very survival is at stake. The infighting is so intense that Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille has stepped in, urging leaders to stop airing their dirty laundry in public.

The timing couldn't be worse. Local government elections are looming, and the DA's chances of making a strong showing are rapidly diminishing. Voters are looking for a party that can govern, not one that's consumed by internal power struggles.

As The Azanian_ has reported, the DA's problems go beyond just Steenhuisen and George. The party's very identity is at stake, with some members questioning whether it's still committed to its core values.

The ANC may be weakened, but the DA's self-destruct mode could hand them a gift on a plate.

The DA's house of cards is crumbling, and it's unclear if it can be salvaged. One thing's certain: the party will be lucky to survive this scandal with its reputation intact.