President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected threats from the Democratic Alliance (DA) following the dismissal of DA member Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
On Thursday, DA leader John Steenhuisen issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding that Ramaphosa fire ANC ministers and deputy ministers implicated in corruption or face consequences. The warning came shortly after Ramaphosa axed Whitfield for undertaking an unauthorised DA-led trip to the United States.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said both Steenhuisen and Whitfield were informed of the decision, which he defended as consistent with precedent and constitutional guidelines. He cited similar actions taken by former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.
The President also revealed that Steenhuisen had been asked to submit a replacement for Whitfield.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described Whitfield’s conduct as a clear violation of executive rules. “It is unprecedented in our democracy that the President’s constitutional prerogative, in response to such a clear breach, is met with threats and ultimatums,” Magwenya said.
However, the DA has accused Ramaphosa of hypocrisy. Party MP Karabo Khakhau argued that the President is applying double standards by removing Whitfield for a procedural oversight while shielding underperforming and allegedly corrupt ministers.
“Andrew wrote to the President 10 days before the trip. He received no response, and upon his return, the President never raised concerns—yet suddenly fired him,” Khakhau said. “Meanwhile, ministers who defy Parliament and misuse state funds remain in office.”
The political standoff has heightened tensions between the DA and the ANC within the newly formed Government of National Unity, raising questions about stability and accountability in the executive.