Ramaphosa Doesn’t Govern Alone Anymore: DA’s Willie Aucamp on Whitfield Firing

By [Your Name] • Updated: June 27, 2025

DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp speaking to press

On June 26, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Andrew Whitfield, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition—who is a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA)—sparking criticism from DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp. Aucamp warned that the decision threatens the coalition framework of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU).

❗ What Did the DA Say?

Willie Aucamp expressed deep concern, stating:

“The president must realise that he’s the president—but doesn’t govern alone anymore.”

The DA is a critical partner in the GNU, which emerged after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority. Aucamp emphasised that dismissing a deputy minister from a coalition party without consultation violates the spirit of power-sharing and mutual respect.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — President Ramaphosa

Why Whitfield Was Removed

Ramaphosa’s office offered no specific reason for Whitfield’s removal, and denied that a broader cabinet reshuffle was underway :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. The DA questioned whether the decision stemmed from:

Whitfield traveling abroad without clearance;
Concerns within the ANC about his performance in the portfolio;
Other political motivations.

Without official clarity, political analysts suggest that removing a key DA appointee unilaterally risks destabilising trust within the GNU.

Coalition Tensions Rise

This is not the first sign of strain between the ANC and DA. Other flashpoints include:

Disputes over the national budget;
Proposals to accelerate racial transformation;
The DA’s demand for accountability from ANC ministers implicated in controversies.

The Reuters report underscored the seriousness of the situation: “a very serious development,” prompting the DA’s Federal Executive to convene an urgent meeting :contentReference

DA’s 48‑Hour Ultimatum

In a bold response, the DA granted Ramaphosa two days to dismiss ANC ministers accused of corruption, mirroring the treatment of their own deputy minister :contentReference. This ultimatum amplifies the DA’s warning that the GNU’s integrity hangs in the balance.

Implications for the GNU

The GNU originally aimed to foster unity and collaborative governance. However, critics argue that unilateral decisions—like Whitfield’s removal—erode trust and hinder effective coalition functioning.

Political commentator Sipho Ndlovu notes, “Everything puts the GNU at risk…” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Analysts warn that unless coalition partners respect agreed processes, the GNU could unravel.

What Happens Next?

The DA’s Federal Executive is set to deliberate on their next steps, which may include legal challenges, public protests, or even withdrawal from the coalition :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Public and media reaction remains divided—some see the move as presidential overreach, others argue it’s within the ANC’s prerogative since it leads government. Yet the coalition agreement stipulates mutual respect, which dissenters believe was breached.

FAQs & Analysis

Is this the start of a broader reshuffle? No—Ramaphosa’s office has confirmed that the dismissal is isolated :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. Could DA withdraw from GNU? It’s possible—though unlikely—depending on how negotiations and DA internal politics unfold. Will Whitfield stay in Parliament? Yes. He remains an MP but loses his deputy ministerial position.

Why It Matters

South Africa’s young democracy is navigating a delicate coalition. The stability of the GNU affects:

Economic Policy: The trade portfolio is critical to investment, jobs, and export strategies.
Social Cohesion: Trust in democratic institutions depends on coalition transparency and respect.
Electoral Fear: Early collapse could trigger another election or reconfiguration of alliances.

Conclusion

Willie Aucamp’s warning is clear: Ramaphosa can’t act alone within a coalition—and the abrupt removal of DA’s Whitfield jeopardises the GNU’s foundational spirit. In the coming days, the DA’s response will reveal whether this is a temporary crisis or a mortal blow to South Africa’s coalition experiment.

For ongoing updates, follow our live coverage on South African Politics Live.

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This post by sabcnews.com