South Africa President Rebukes Coalition Partner Over Minister’s Dismissal

 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong public rebuke to the Democratic Alliance (DA), his main coalition partner, following the dismissal of Deputy Trade Minister Andrew Whitfield. Ramaphosa said he would not yield to "threats and ultimatums" after the DA demanded that other ministers from various parties also be dismissed for similar violations or risk destabilizing the Government of National Unity (GNU). Whitfield, a DA member, was removed for undertaking an unauthorized trip to the United States in February, which Ramaphosa said violated constitutional rules requiring presidential approval for international travel by ministers and deputies. In a detailed statement, Ramaphosa confirmed he had informed DA leader John Steenhuisen beforehand and asked for a replacement nominee. The DA reacted by accusing the president of double standards and issued an ultimatum demanding broader accountability, threatening that “all bets are off” if their demands were not met. The party previously withheld support for a national budget vote, further escalating tensions within the GNU formed after the 2024 elections resulted in no clear winner. Whitfield, in a media interview, acknowledged not receiving formal approval but claimed he assumed silence equaled consent, admitting it may have been a misjudgment. However, he also questioned whether the dismissal was politically motivated and called the decision “premature and provocative.” Ramaphosa defended his decision by citing precedent, including former President Nelson Mandela's dismissal of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in 1995 for a similar breach. He maintained the right to appoint and dismiss executive members under the constitution and emphasized that the GNU cannot function under threats. This episode reflects deepening fractures in the coalition, with the DA hinting it might exit the GNU amid mounting disagreements and lack of trust between it and the ANC.

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