DA Slams Cyril Ramaphosa Over Andrew Whitfield Dismissal, Gives Him 48 Hours to Fire ANC Ministers

• The Democratic Alliance has lashed out at President Cyril Ramaphosa for firing Andrew Whitfield
• The former Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition was removed with no explanation given
• John Steenhuisen has given Ramaphosa 48 hours to take action against African National Congress ministers

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – Tensions are rising between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) following the firing of Andrew Whitfield.

Whitfield, the former Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, was dismissed on 26 June 2025. The Presidency confirmed the dismissal but gave no reason for his removal.

The decision hasn’t sat well with the DA, as party leader John Steenhuisen criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying that he needed to look at delinquent ANC ministers as well.

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Steenhuisen gives Ramaphosa an ultimatum

Following the removal of Whitfield, Steenhuisen hit out at Ramaphosa during an interview aired on eNCA.

“If the president wants to clean out his cabinet, then we would like to suggest that he starts by sweeping outside his own front door, before sweeping outside the DA’s front door,” he said.

He also noted that Whitfield was fired for undertaking an unauthorised trip to the USA. Steenhuisen added that it could not be right that a minister was fired for these reasons. He added that they were giving the president 48 hours to prove that he was a man of his word and also take action against ANC ministers who were guilty of far worse things than Whitfield was.

While he didn't mention names, Steenhuisen was referring to Nobuhle Nkabane and Thembi Simelane. Nkabane was in hot water over her conduct in Parliament, while Simelane faces questions related to the VBS Mutual Bank saga.

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The ultimatum was just the tip of the iceberg, as the relationship between the DA and ANC deteriorated further after Whitfield's sacking.

What you need to know about DA and ANC squabbles

• President Cyril Ramaphosa explained why he decided to dismiss the DA's Andrew Whitfield.
• The DA hit out at the ANC over the firing of Andrew Whitfield, accusing the party of double standards.
• Helen Zille issued a strong warning towards President Ramaphosa following Whitfield's dismissal.
• Thabo Mbeki wrote a strongly worded letter about the DA's decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue.
• The ANC demanded clarity from the DA about whether it planned to remain in the Government of National Unity.
• The DA took legal action against the Higher Education Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament.

Ramaphosa explains decision to fire Whitfield

Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa explained his decision to fire Whitfield.

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The president also noted why this was different from his decision to place Senzo Mchunu on special leave.

The president was criticised for taking harsh action against the DA minister for conducting a trip to the USA.

Source: Briefly News