South Africa has entered a pivotal moment for conservation, and the timing could not be more striking. Just days before the G20 summit — where environmental leadership and climate commitments will dominate the global agenda — the country has replaced Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. For many of us working in or supporting conservation, this change raises more questions than answers, and it risks shifting South Africa’s environmental priorities at a moment when stability, integrity, and science-driven policy are critical.

Dion George’s tenure was not perfect, but it was undeniably principled. He took a firm stance against wildlife crime, consistently supporting ranger efforts and celebrating convictions that held poachers accountable. His department reported zero rhino poaching in four provinces earlier this year — an achievement made possible through targeted interventions, stronger intelligence work, and improved law enforcement cooperation. He also resisted pressure from trophy-hunting lobby groups by choosing not to set the CITES export quotas for elephant, black rhino, and leopard trophies while a legal challenge was still underway. It was a cautious, legally grounded approach meant to protect the integrity of the process, even though powerful industry players publicly attacked him for it. For conservationists, this was a rare moment of political leadership that prioritised due process and ethical responsibility over commercial interests.

His sudden removal, however, has opened the door to a wave of concern. The newly appointed minister, Willie Aucamp, has already drawn criticism from multiple organisations for alleged conflicts of interest, particularly his ties to wildlife breeding and hunting sectors. At a time when South Africa should be strengthening its conservation credentials ahead of the G20, this appointment sends an uneasy signal. Instead of projecting stability and environmental integrity on the world stage, the government now appears to be moving closer to the commercial wildlife-trade lobby — an industry that has long sought greater influence over environmental policy and quota setting. For those of us who value science-based conservation and transparent governance, this shift feels like a step backward.

The timing is especially troubling because South Africa faces mounting ecological pressures. Climate impacts are accelerating. Poaching syndicates remain sophisticated and heavily funded. Marine ecosystems are under increasing strain. This is not the moment to introduce uncertainty or dilute environmental oversight. By removing a minister who had shown a willingness to challenge vested interests, the government has created exactly the kind of instability that conservationists, rangers, and NGOs cannot afford. With the world’s attention turning toward the G20, South Africa has missed an opportunity to showcase leadership grounded in conservation ethics rather than industry alignment.

Going forward, it will be vital for civil society, conservation organisations, and the public to scrutinise policy decisions closely. We must ensure that anti-poaching efforts remain strong, that endangered species are not sacrificed to trophy-hunting politics, and that climate commitments are honoured rather than quietly eroded. Dion George may no longer lead the department, but the principles he championed — transparency, legal integrity, and protection of vulnerable species — must not be lost in the transition. The world is watching, and so are we.