‘The president shall NOT yield to threats or ultimatums’ – The Presidency
The shock dismissal of DA MP Andrew Whitfield is causing tension within the GNU.
FILE: Andrew Whitfield during his time as deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Picture: @the_dtic/X
702 and CapeTalk’s Mandy Wiener speaks with Andrew Whitfield, Eastern Cape DA Leader and former Deputy Minister.
Listen below:
The DA is outraged at the dismissal of one of their MPs from cabinet.
DA leader John Steenhuisen has also accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of having a double standard when it comes to non-ANC MPs.
The party has warned of ‘severe consequences’ if Ramaphosa does not remove three corruption accused ANC members from cabinet within 48 hours.
The Presidency has issued a statement saying the president ‘will not yield to threats or ultimatums.’
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ON THE REMOVAL OF DEPUTY MINISTER WHITFIELD
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2025
FRIDAY, 27 JUNE 2025
On 25 June 2025, I removed Mr Andrew Whitfield from the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in terms of section 93 (1) of the Constitution.
It is…
Whitfield says he has not been given any reason or explanation for his removal, and was just handed a letter on Wednesday thanking him for his service.
He knew that his trip to the United States had ruffled feathers, but was surprised to only see a reaction four months later.
“Over the last year I have really tried to put my head down and act in good faith.”
- Andrew Whitfield, Eastern Cape DA Leader and Former Deputy Minister
There has been some speculation that Whitfield was removed because of the AmaBunghane expose about Paul Mashathile’s alleged links to the company Minister Parks Tau appointed to manage the lotto.
“I do not want to get drawn into conspiracies or speculations… But the timing is absolutely curious.”
- Andrew Whitfield, Eastern Cape DA Leader and Former Deputy Minister
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