Axing of Andrew Whitfield causes renewed friction in GNU

CAPE TOWN - Just as the dust appeared to be settling after a budget impasse that threatened the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the axing of Democratic Alliance (DA) member, Andrew Whitfield, as deputy minister on Thursday has now caused renewed friction.

The party said if President Cyril Ramaphosa is to fire Whitfield for unsanctioned international travel, then he must also axe ministers accused of corruption.

DA leader John Steenhuisen gave the President 48 hours to remove compromised ministers from his executive, starting with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane and Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister David Mahlobo.

However, the Presidency made it clear on Friday that it would not comply with ultimatums and that the President had both justifiable reason and precedent from former administrations to fire Whitfield.

While Steenhuisen said the DA would not be petty and withhold its vote on the Division of Revenue Bill over the latest impasse, he warned that consequences would follow.

"This is now a moment of truth, within the next 48 hours, we will find out if the DA stands alone as the only party that can be trusted to govern responsibly and take South Africa forward."

The Presidency said on Friday that Steenhuisen’s response had been intemperate and that Whitfield had acknowledged breaking the rules in a letter following his return from the United States (US).

Meanwhile, on Saturday afternoon, the DA’s top leadership said it would outline the impact of this move on its future within the GNU.

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