Ramaphosa responds to Steenhuisen’s ultimatum

President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken with tradition and publicly defend his decision to remove Democratic Alliance (DA) member Andrew Whitfield from the post of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The President accused Whitfield of violating executive rules and criticised DA leader John Steenhuisen for issuing “irresponsible and unjustifiable threats” after the fact.

In a strongly worded statement issued on 27 June 2025, Ramaphosa confirmed he had removed Whitfield on 25 June 2025, citing an unauthorised international trip as the reason.

Earlier this year, Whitfield was part of a week-long trip to the US. The DA said that this was done in his capacity as Eastern Cape party leader, not as a government representative.

The President said such conduct was a “clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive,” and insisted the requirement for travel approval had been communicated to ministers and deputies.

“This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive. However, Mr Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule and practice,” Ramaphosa said.

Steenhuisen said Whitfield requested travel approval on 12 February but received no response. He later apologised, yet still heard nothing.

The President said that Whitfield had submitted “a perfunctory letter of apology” after the trip, indicating that he was aware he had contravened the rules.

Ramaphosa said that he had informed Steenhuisen of the decision before the dismissal letter was issued and had invited the DA to submit a replacement name.

He added that Steenhuisen allegedly acknowledged that Whitfield expected to be dismissed for the unauthorised trip.

Steenhuisen reportedly asked whether there was any precedent for such action, to which Ramaphosa responded by citing the dismissals of Deputy Minister Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in 1995 and Deputy Minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge in 2007.

Response to the DA’s ultimatum

Following this announcement, the DA issued an ultimatum to Ramaphosa to fire Ministers Thembi Simelane and Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, and other corruption-accused cabinet officials within 48 hours, or face the political fallout.

However, Ramaphosa said that there are “no reasonable grounds for Mr Steenhuisen and the Democratic Alliance to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative and responsibility.”

He dismissed any claims that Whitfield’s removal was politically motivated, calling the assertions baseless.

“There is really no basis for suggestions that the dismissal of the former Deputy Minister is related to any other reason than his failure to receive permission to travel and adhere to the rules and established practices expected of members of the Executive.”

Steenhuisen had alleged that Whitfield’s dismissal was connected to his efforts to block corruption within a department already facing serious allegations.

He claimed Whitfield had been effective in his role, resisting questionable appointments and obstructing what he described as looming looting linked to the Transformation Fund, all within a ministry embroiled in tender-related scandals involving the National Lottery.

Responding to criticism over the short notice given to Steenhuisen, the President maintained that timing is at his discretion.

“While Mr Steenhuisen asked that he be allowed to brief the Democratic Alliance Federal Executive prior to the removal letter being delivered to Mr Whitfield, this would have had no bearing on my decision.”

“It is the responsibility and the prerogative of the President to determine the timing and manner of the appointment and removal of Members of the Executive.”

Surprise reaction

Ramaphosa said he was surprised by Steenhuisen’s strong reaction to Whitfield’s dismissal, noting that the DA leader was fully aware that violating executive travel protocols was a serious breach.

He added that it was unprecedented in South Africa’s democratic history for a President to face such “irresponsible and unjustifiable threats and ultimatums” for exercising his response to a “clear violation of established rules.”

“Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution,” Ramaphosa concluded.

The DA said that it will brief the country on the next steps “at the expiry of the 48 hour ultimatum”, which is scheduled for 15h00 on 28 June.

The party said the briefing would “address the way forward for the DA and the Government of National Unity.”