Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected threats from DA leader John Steenhuisen, who gave him 48 hours to dismiss ANC ministers accused of wrongdoing.
This follows Ramaphosa’s removal of DA member Andrew Whitfield from his position as deputy minister for undertaking unauthorised international travel.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, Ramaphosa said Whitfield had undertaken an international trip to the United States without the required permission from the Presidency — a breach of protocol he described as deliberate.
Ramaphosa stressed that Whitfield violated long-standing rules requiring presidential approval for overseas trips, a practice all ministers are expected to follow.
Whitfield’s removal was formally effected on 25 June under section 93(1) of the Constitution.
WATCH: It is now confirmed that Andrew Whitfield the Deputy minister of Trade Industry and Competition from the DA has been axed from the cabinet. pic.twitter.com/B3TYfTNLoU
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) June 26, 2025
While the President traditionally does not disclose reasons for appointing or dismissing members of the executive, he said he was compelled to make the circumstances public due to “unfortunate statements and outright distortions” from Whitfield and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Steenhuisen.
According to Ramaphosa, Steenhuisen was informed ahead of time about the decision and confirmed that Whitfield had anticipated possible dismissal over the unauthorised travel. Whitfield reportedly issued only a “perfunctory” letter of apology after the trip.
Ramaphosa also pointed to historical precedent, citing former Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, who dismissed Deputy Ministers Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (1995) and Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge (2007), respectively, for similar breaches.
“There is consequently no reasonable grounds for Mr Steenhuisen and the Democratic Alliance to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative,” said Ramaphosa.
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The President criticised Steenhuisen’s “intemperate reaction”, calling it “irresponsible and unjustifiable”, and said such conduct undermines the integrity of the executive.
“It is unprecedented in the history of our democracy that a clear violation of established executive conduct rules is met with threats from a member of the executive,” he added.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed that the DA, as per the Government of National Unity agreement, is entitled to nominate a replacement Deputy Minister, pending his approval.
“The President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint,” Ramaphosa said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
