Former deputy minister of trade, industry, and competition, Andrew Whitfield, has described his dismissal by President Cyril Ramaphosa as an “unnecessary provocation” that risks destabilizing South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), with the Democratic Alliance (DA) warning it may reconsider its role if Ramaphosa fails to act against ministers the party deems compromised. The DA MP criticized the move as disproportionate and inconsistent, particularly as the GNU was recovering from tensions over national budget and VAT disputes.
Whitfield’s dismissal is linked to an unsanctioned trip to the United States in February for DA party business. He followed protocol by submitting a formal travel request 10 days prior, as required by the ministerial handbook, but received no response from the Presidency despite follow-ups. “I simply took silence as consent,” Whitfield said, acknowledging a possible error in judgment. He sent a written apology post-trip, which also went unanswered. “I think there were other ways to deal with this,” he added, noting the sanction seemed overly severe.
In a televised interview, Whitfield revealed that Ramaphosa cited only Section 93(1) of the Constitution, which grants the president the authority to appoint and dismiss executive members, without providing a formal reason. He also mentioned a later declined request for a personal study program at Harvard University on inclusive economic growth, a key GNU priority, highlighting inconsistent application of travel rules.
The DA has escalated tensions, with leader John Steenhuisen issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Ramaphosa to dismiss ministers accused of corruption, including Thembi Simelane, Minister Nkabane, and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo. The DA’s federal executive is set to meet to discuss next steps, with Whitfield warning that the party may reconsider its role in the GNU. “The leader of the DA has made it very clear that a line has been crossed,” he said, suggesting that continuing in the GNU could be untenable.
Whitfield expressed frustration over the timing, noting that the issue, unresolved for four months, surfaced just as budget negotiations stabilized. “I don’t know why the timing is now, potentially putting the budget in jeopardy,” he said. He also revealed private support from ANC colleagues, who expressed confusion over Ramaphosa’s decision, indicating internal ANC unease.
Despite the GNU’s potential for political collaboration, Whitfield called the president’s actions “premature and deeply unfortunate.” He urged for resolution to maintain stability, warning that failure to address the DA’s concerns could lead to the party exiting the GNU, a move that could unravel the coalition.
