Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has launched a blistering attack on President Cyril Ramaphosa following the sudden dismissal of DA member Andrew Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Steenhuisen warned that the move has endangered the fragile unity within the Government of National Unity (GNU), describing it as a “calculated political assault.”
The DA has now issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Ramaphosa: fire several ANC ministers and deputy ministers accused of corruption or face severe political consequences.
“They triggered all of the events that follow,” Steenhuisen declared in Parliament, adding, “What happens next is entirely on the ANC and President Ramaphosa.”
Dismissal sparks political firestorm
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed Whitfield’s removal on Thursday without providing an explanation.
Steenhuisen revealed that he was informed of the decision moments before Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, and that the President ignored his request for 24 hours to consult the party.
According to Steenhuisen, Whitfield’s removal was based on an alleged failure to obtain presidential approval for a trip to the United States.
However, the DA insists that Whitfield had written to Cyril Ramaphosa requesting permission on 12 February, but didn’t receive a reply.
Allegations of double standards
Steenhuisen accused Ramaphosa of applying a double standard and protecting ANC allies implicated in corruption, while punishing a DA deputy minister for “bureaucratic technicalities.”
He named several officials who remain in cabinet despite facing serious allegations:
- Thembi Simelane – Implicated in the VBS Bank looting.
- Nobuhle Nkabane – Accused of misleading Parliament on cadre deployment.
- David Mahlobo – Linked to state capture corruption by the Zondo Commission.
“Hardworking DA Members of the Executive are now being fired for fighting corruption, not for committing it,” Steenhuisen said.
He further alleged that Whitfield had been actively blocking questionable appointments and exposing corruption in the department, particularly concerning the Transformation Fund and the National Lottery.
DA demands immediate action
The DA has demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa fire Simelane, Nkabane, Mahlobo, and others within 48 hours, or risk unraveling the GNU.
Despite the controversy, the DA supported the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, prioritising governance over political fallout.
“We are nothing like the ANC,” Steenhuisen told Parliament.
“The DA will always put South Africa’s interests above narrow politics.”
Who do you agree with here: Cyril Ramaphosa or the DA?
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