We interview Andrew Whitfield, who says President Ramaphosa sacked him in 'short, sharp' letter
The DA MP says he was given no reason for his removal as Deputy Minister and only learned of claims about an unauthorised trip third hand.
FILE: Former deputy minister of trade, industry & competition, Andrew Whitfield. Picture: @the_dtic/X
John Maytham (in for Lester Kiewit) speaks to Andrew Whitfield following his dismissal as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Listen below:
No explanation, just a letter removing him from his post.
That's how DA MP Andrew Whitfield has described his sacking as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Describing the letter he received as 'short, sharp and to the point', Whitfield says any suggestion his dismissal relates to an unauthorised trip he took to Washington earlier this year is news to him.
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"That's certainly not the reason; in fact, I was provided with no reason."
- Andrew Whitfield, Former Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whitfield admits his unsanctioned trip to the United States early this year was the reason given to his party leader, John Steenhuisen, for his dismissal.
"That was the reason provided to Minister Steenhuisen in a meeting he had with the president."
- Andrew Whitfield, Former Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whitfield adds that the timing of his removal from his post is 'curious' given that the trip to Washington was four months ago.
"If it was such a serious offence, it should have prompted a summary dismissal in March."
- Andrew Whitfield, Former Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whitfield says he has written to President Ramaphosa asking for an explanation and to apologise for any 'anxiety' his trip to the US may have caused.
To date, he says, he has not received a response.
Scroll up to listen to the full interview.