DA Slams Ramaphosa Over Andrew Whitfield Dismissal, Urges Cabinet Purge within 48 Hours

Published: June 26, 2025

1. The Sparks that Lit the Fuse

On June 26, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa abruptly removed Andrew Whitfield—Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, and a DA member—from his cabinet post :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. This move has ignited a major political crisis within the Government of National Unity (GNU).

2. DA Fires Back: “Calculated Political Assault”

DA leader John Steenhuisen condemned the decision as “a calculated political assault” on South Africa’s second-largest party :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. According to Steenhuisen, Whitfield had followed proper procedure by mail requesting travel permission on 12 February, received no reply, then proceeded with his planned US visit—subsequently apologizing if protocol had been violated

Andrew Whitfield outside Parliament after dismissal

3. The 48‑Hour Ultimatum

The DA has issued a stringent 48-hour deadline, demanding that Ramaphosa remove several ANC ministers and deputies implicated in corruption, including:

Thembi Simelane – accused in the VBS looting scandal
Nobuhle Nkabane – alleged to have misled Parliament on SETA board appointments
David Mahlobo – named in state capture commission findings

“Should the ANC fail to meet our ultimatum, all bets are off and the consequences will be theirs to bear,” warned Steenhuisen :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

4. Alleged Double Standards

Steenhuisen criticised what he calls a double standard: Whitfield faced dismissal over a procedural misstep, while ANC ministers accused of serious misconduct remain in office. He highlighted how Whitfield had successfully opposed dodgy appointments in the Industrial Development Corporation, unlike ANC figures facing corruption allegations who continue serving :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

5. What Triggered This Move?

While Ramaphosa’s office cites procedural reasons—Whitfield allegedly failed to secure travel approval—the DA insists this is pretextual. The DA points out that official silence, not misconduct, was the real catalyst :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. The timing—immediately before a Cabinet meeting—underscores claims of political strategy over protocol.

6. Implications for the GNU and the National Unity Landscape

This showdown threatens to destabilise the fragile GNU, which was formed after the ANC lost its outright parliamentary majority in 2024. As tensions escalate, this could trigger:

Further erosion of trust between coalition partners
A possible walkout by DA from GNU structures
Delays or threats to key legislation, including the Division of Revenue Bill

For the ANC, failure to respond decisively may cost political capital and embolden opposition narratives.

7. DA’s Strategic Position

Despite the conflict, the DA voted for the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, demonstrating restraint and a commitment to national interest :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Steenhuisen emphasised DA’s contrasting governance approach: putting country first, even when politically undermined. This also signals an escalation from protest rhetoric to tactical endurance, with legal and parliamentary maneuvers poised if the ultimatum is ignored.

8. What Happens Next?

Key watchpoints:

48-hour deadline: Will Ramaphosa comply, ignore, or negotiate?
DA response: If ignored, expect legal recourse, public mobilisation, and possible parliamentary challenges.
Coalition dynamics: Could other parties take sides, deepening the crisis?
Public opinion: Reaction to corruption vs. procedural politics may sway voters.

9. Conclusion

The DA’s ultimatum to President Ramaphosa marks a critical inflection point in South Africa’s coalition politics. If the ANC fails to act within 48 hours, the stability of the GNU—and public trust in its ability to govern impartially—could be irreparably damaged. The coming days will determine whether this is a moment of reckoning or recalibration for South African democracy.

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This post BY briefly.co.za