The week that was: Dangerous GNU spat, Zuma: Mbalula's ‘intimidating messages', Springboks vs Barbarians
Eyewitness News 28 June 2025 | 6:12 Government of national unity (GNU)
Jacob Zuma
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Deputy minister Andrew Whitfield possibly axed for defying travel protocol
Tshidi Madia and Mbali Dhlamini 26 June 2025 | 13:00 Andrew Whitfield Cyril Ramaphosa FILE: Andrew Whitfield during his time as deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Picture: @the_dtic/X JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa's office has remained silent on the sudden removal of DA politician Andrew Whitfield from his role as one of the deputy ministers at Trade, Industry and Competition. Eyewitness News understands that Whitfield's dismissal may be linked to insubordination over a DA-led trip to Washington undertaken without the President's approval. Earlier, Ramaphosa's office confirmed the removal, saying this was not an indication of a wholesale cabinet reshuffle. History of similar dismissals Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was fired by South Africa's founding president, Nelson Mandela, in 1995, one of the reasons was that she took an unauthorised personal trip abroad. In 2007, President Thabo Mbeki, Mandela's successor, also dismissed then Deputy Health Minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge after she attended an HIV/Aids conference in Madrid without his permission. Fast forward to 2025, and the DA's Andrew Whitfield suffers the same fate. On his part, it's a trip to the US in March without President Cyril Ramaphosa's authorisation that did him in. Several government insiders have told Eyewitness News that even when travel is in one's private capacity, permission must be sought As the DA enters an emergency federal council meeting, some of its Cabinet members are fuming, accusing the president and his party of abuse. DA leader John Steenhuisen has lashed out at Ramaphosa for firing Whitfield. Steenhuisen was in Parliament on Thursday afternoon, where the Revenue Bill is under discussion. He used his time in parliament to address the developments of this afternoon, which saw a DA member axed from a top post. Steenhuisen says Whitfield was dismissed for a very flimsy offence.
Eyewitness News
an hour ago
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Axing of Andrew Whitfield causes renewed friction in GNU
CAPE TOWN - Just as the dust appeared to be settling after a budget impasse that threatened the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the axing of Democratic Alliance (DA) member, Andrew Whitfield, as deputy minister on Thursday has now caused renewed friction. The party said if President Cyril Ramaphosa is to fire Whitfield for unsanctioned international travel, then he must also axe ministers accused of corruption. DA leader John Steenhuisen gave the President 48 hours to remove compromised ministers from his executive, starting with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane and Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister David Mahlobo. However, the Presidency made it clear on Friday that it would not comply with ultimatums and that the President had both justifiable reason and precedent from former administrations to fire Whitfield. While Steenhuisen said the DA would not be petty and withhold its vote on the Division of Revenue Bill over the latest impasse, he warned that consequences would follow. "This is now a moment of truth, within the next 48 hours, we will find out if the DA stands alone as the only party that can be trusted to govern responsibly and take South Africa forward." The Presidency said on Friday that Steenhuisen's response had been intemperate and that Whitfield had acknowledged breaking the rules in a letter following his return from the United States (US). Meanwhile, on Saturday afternoon, the DA's top leadership said it would outline the impact of this move on its future within the GNU. ALSO READ:
Eyewitness News
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ANC calls on DA to clarify if it wants to stay in GNU or return to opposition party role
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has called on the Democratic Alliance (DA) to clarify whether it intends to stay in the Government of National Unity (GNU) or return to its role as an opposition party. This comes after the DA's announcement at a media briefing in Cape Town on Saturday, that it would boycott the National Dialogue. The party said it would not participate in the process unless President Cyril Ramaphosa removes ministers implicated in corruption. READ: DA won't participate in National Dialogue if Ramaphosa doesn't fire corruption-accused ministers The National Dialogue is set to take place through public engagements aimed at tackling the country's socio-economic challenges. The latest tension within the GNU was triggered by Ramaphosa's dismissal of DA Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield. Whitfield was removed from the position after undertaking an unauthorised international trip. In response, the DA threatened to table a motion of no-confidence against the president and pulled out of the National Dialogue. The ANC has criticised the DA's move, calling it disingenuous to boycott the dialogue simply because Whitfield was fired. 'The ANC reiterates that the National Dialogue is rooted in this proud tradition. It seeks to bring all sectors of society together to address the pressing socio-economic challenges confronting our country, including poverty, inequality, and economic exclusion, through inclusive engagement and joint commitment to solutions,' said ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri. 'At this juncture, it is imperative for the DA to clarify its stance: is it a genuine and principled partner in the GNU, or is it positioning itself as a quasi-opposition within the executive? South Africans deserve clarity and leadership guided by national interest, not short-term political expediency,' she added. The former liberation party also said the DA's actions undermine the spirit of the GNU and appear aimed at sowing disruption within the executive. ALSO READ: 'DA's frequent tantrums quite frankly embarrassing', says GOOD Party
