Whitfield's removal from the executive due to travelling to US without permission, clarifies Ramaphosa

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to clarify that he dismissed Democratic Alliance (DA) member of Parliament (MP) Andrew Whitfield for travelling to the United States without permission.

Whitfield’s axing has caused another storm within the Government of National Unity (GNU), but Ramaphosa said Whitfield was well aware that his actions could earn him a dismissal.

Ramaphosa said he won’t tolerate threats and ultimatums from the DA for exercising his constitutional prerogative.

The DA has demanded Ramaphosa fire ministers accused of corruption or face consequences it’s yet to reveal.

Ramaphosa said while it’s not common practice for a head of state to provide reasons for appointing or dismissing a member of the executive, he feels the need to respond to what he said are distortions by the former Deputy Minister, Andrew Whitfield, and DA leader John Steenhuisen.

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Ramaphosa said Whitfield’s travel was a clear violation of the rules, and an apology letter he sent to the president afterwards indicated that he was aware of his transgression.

The first citizen said that when he informed Steenhuisen earlier this week that he planned to dismiss Whitfield, he asked him to provide him with a replacement from the party.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, "It must be made clear that the president will not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the executive that he has the prerogative to appoint within the constitution of the Republic of South Africa."

Magwenya said, given the set of facts related to Whitfield’s unauthorised travel, there’s no other reason to suggest an ulterior motive for his dismissal, with the DA suggesting it could be related to his work within the ministry.