President Cyril Ramaphosa has axed Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Andrew Whitfield from the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition.
Speaking during a cabinet briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni told the media that the removal was done in terms of Section 93(1) of the Constitution.
Presidency confirms move
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed the Hon. Andrew Whitfield, MP from the position of Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition. The president has thanked the former deputy minister for the time he served in the role. However, the president has not indicated any intention to conduct a wholesale cabinet reshuffle,” she said.
DA Federal Council Chair Helen Zille has subsequently called an urgent Federal Executive meeting.
“I have convened an urgent meeting of the DA’s Federal Executive today, following the actions of President Cyril Ramaphosa around the composition of the National Executive of the government of national unity.
“The DA’s Federal Executive will meet later today, and the DA will give further comment thereafter,” according to a statement issued by Zille.
DA leader convenes meeting
Sunday World understands that Whitfield’s removal could be linked to his participation in a week-long working visit to Washington, DC in March 2025. The DA claimed that the visit was aimed at stabilising diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US.
During the visit, the DA engaged with key decision-makers across Congress, the State Department, and the White House.
At the time, ANC International Relations Subcommittee Head Nomvula Mokonyane told the SABC that they were aware of the visit ahead of time and Whitfield had taken leave to be part of the delegation.
