Why President Ramaphosa Fired Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield
The reason President Cyril Ramaphosa fired Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Andrew Whitfield, has been revealed.
Whitfield, a DA Member of Parliament, served in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Government of National Unity.
Although the official statement from the Presidency did not provide a reason, it thanked Whitfield for his service and made it clear that this was not part of a wider cabinet reshuffle.
“The Presidency can confirm that in terms of Section 93(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed the Hon. Andrew Whitfield, MP, from the position of Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition. However, the President has not indicated any intention to conduct a wholesale cabinet reshuffle,” the statement read.
Why Ramaphosa Fired Andrew Whitfield
According to eNCA, the real reason behind Whitfield’s dismissal is that he travelled to the United States in March with a DA delegation, despite the President having explicitly cautioned against it.
The delegation met with US lawmakers and officials linked to the Trump administration. The DA described the visit as a “working trip” aimed at stabilising relations between South Africa and the US. However, the trip was not sanctioned by the Government of National Unity, nor was it cleared with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
This reportedly angered Ramaphosa, who viewed the move as undermining unity and proper diplomatic protocol.
Also read: Jacob Zuma Takes Ramaphosa And ANC To Court Over Expulsion
DA Calls Emergency Meeting
Whitfield’s dismissal has put fresh strain on relations between the DA and the ANC, who are leading the Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA currently holds 12 posts in the national executive — six full Cabinet ministers and six deputy ministers.
The party has often disagreed with the ANC on key governance and policy matters, and this latest development adds to the political friction.
Following Whitfield’s removal, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille announced she had called an urgent meeting of the party’s Federal Executive to discuss Ramaphosa’s decision.
“I have convened an urgent meeting of the DA’s Federal Executive, following the actions of President Cyril Ramaphosa around the composition of the National Executive of the Government of National Unity,” Zille said.
It remains unclear who will replace Whitfield in the Cabinet or if this signals deeper tensions ahead for the unity government.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Why President Ramaphosa Fired Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield appeared first on iHarare News.
