In wake of Whitfield axing, DA issues ultimatum for Ramaphosa to fire 3 compromised ministers
DA leader John Steenhuisen said that President Cyril Ramaphosa must apply the same standard across the board and take action against his own party members who were facing corruption allegations.
FILE: Former Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Andrew Whitfield during the virtual G20 Trade and Investment Working Group meeting on 18 March 2025. Picture: @the_dtic/X
CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued terms for the president to fire at least three compromised ministers or face unspecified consequences.
The firing of DA MP Andrew Whitfield as the deputy minister of trade, industry and competition is the latest ruction between the DA and the African National Congress (ANC).
DA leader John Steenhuisen said that Ramaphosa must apply the same standard across the board and take action against his own party members who were facing corruption allegations.
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While the Presidency has not offered an official reason for Whitfield's removal, the DA suspects it’s because he went on a trip for party business without approval from the president.
Steenhuisen said that he was not afforded the opportunity to speak to Whitfield before Ramaphosa dropped the axe.
He said that some ministers accused of more egregious acts had been allowed to explain their actions.
"There are members in the Cabinet who are implicated in VBS scandal and looting. There are members in the Cabinet who, despite apparently misleading Parliament over an attempt to deploy corrupt cadres to SETA boards, remain in the Cabinet."
Steenhuisen suspects a deeper motive for Whitfield's axing.
"He was raising uncomfortable questions about the Transformation Fund and the opportunities it provides for looting and he was asking the uncomfortable questions about the lotto tender award."
Steenhuisen said if President Ramaphosa does not fire ministers Thembi Simelane, Nobuhle Nkabane and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo by Saturday, grave consequences will follow.