Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has sharply criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to axe Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Andrew Whitfield, calling it a “calculated assault” on the DA and a display of “hypocrisy of the highest form.”
The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that Whitfield was removed under Section 93(1) of the Constitution, which grants the president authority to appoint and dismiss ministers. However, Steenhuisen accused Ramaphosa of acting unilaterally without consulting the DA, the second-largest party in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU).
“Flagrant Double Standards”
In an impassioned address to Parliament, Steenhuisen contrasted Whitfield’s dismissal—reportedly over an unauthorized trip—with the retention of ministers implicated in scandals like VBS looting, state capture, and the Zondo Commission report.
“While a DA deputy minister is removed for not getting a response to seeking permission to travel, there are members in the cabinet who looted VBS, misled Parliament, and face corruption allegations—yet they remain,” Steenhuisen said, drawing applause from DA MPs.
He suggested Whitfield was targeted for “fighting corruption, not committing it,” citing the deputy minister’s opposition to questionable appointments at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and his scrutiny of the National Lotteries Commission’s tender awards.
DA Considers Next Moves
The DA has called an urgent Federal Executive meeting to discuss its response, with Steenhuisen warning that the party may reconsider its role in the GNU if the decision isn’t reversed.
“If this situation is not corrected, it will go down as the greatest political mistake in modern South African history,” he declared, challenging Ramaphosa to “sweep in front of his own doorstep” by firing compromised ministers.
Coalition Tensions Rise
Political analysts speculate that the DA is caught between withdrawing from the GNU—risking instability—or pushing for concessions. SABC political editor Mzwandile Mbeje noted that while the DA feels aggrieved, walking away could empower rivals like the EFF or MK Party, which the DA opposes.
Presidency sources maintain Ramaphosa acted within his constitutional powers, but the move has exposed fractures in the GNU, with the ANC’s upcoming NEC meeting (July 12) likely to address coalition tensions.
What Next?
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The DA’s FedEx could demand Whitfield’s reinstatement or another DA appointee in his place.
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Ramaphosa faces pressure to address corruption allegations against other ministers or risk further alienating the DA.
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A cabinet reshuffle may loom as GNU partners jostle for influence.
As the DA weighs its options, South Africa’s fragile unity government enters a critical phase, with Steenhuisen’s ultimatum signaling rocky days ahead.