DA clashes with Ramaphosa over dismissal but stays in coalition — for now

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has decided to remain part of South Africa’s government of national unity despite rising tensions with President Cyril Ramaphosa over the recent dismissal of one of its deputy ministers.

On Saturday, DA leader John Steenhuisen expressed frustration with Ramaphosa’s decision to fire Andrew Whitfield, the deputy minister of trade, industry and competition, who travelled to the United States without the president’s permission.

While the party has chosen not to walk away from the unity government or call for a no-confidence vote at this stage, it has made clear its growing dissatisfaction. Speaking at a media briefing, Steenhuisen accused Ramaphosa of double standards.

He noted that in 2020, the president gave only a reprimand and salary deduction to then-minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who used a state plane to fly an ANC delegation to Zimbabwe. “This inconsistency shows a lack of fairness,” Steenhuisen said.

Following Whitfield’s removal, the DA gave Ramaphosa 48 hours to fire ministers Thembi Simelane, Nobuhle Nkabane, and deputy minister David Mahlobo over corruption allegations. The president declined, stating that he acted within his constitutional rights and would not respond to threats.

Although the ultimatum was ignored, the DA confirmed it would not withdraw from the government of national unity, warning that doing so could lead to a more unstable coalition that might include the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or uMkhonto weSizwe (MK). “Leaving would open the door to chaos,” Steenhuisen said. “We entered this government to put South Africa first, and we still believe our presence is critical to prevent a coalition of destruction.”

Still, the DA pulled out of a planned national dialogue scheduled for August, calling it a political stunt with no real authority. The dialogue was meant to address key issues such as corruption, unemployment and gender-based violence.

Steenhuisen criticised the initiative as a wasteful exercise and accused the ANC of using it to distract from its failures. “It’s an election campaign disguised as a national consultation,” he said. He also warned that the DA’s patience was wearing thin.

“We will not be kicked around. If the ANC wants to remove us for standing against corruption, then so be it,” he said.

While no immediate motion of no confidence will be brought against Ramaphosa, Steenhuisen confirmed that the option remains open.

The DA also plans to vote against upcoming budgets for departments led by ministers under suspicion of wrongdoing. Steenhuisen vowed to push for their removal and pledged to fight the continued misuse of public funds, including the more than R700 million allocated to the national dialogue.

As for Whitfield’s trip to the US, Steenhuisen defended his colleague, saying it was a party-related visit funded by the DA, not the state.

The DA will nominate a new deputy minister to replace Whitfield in line with the coalition agreement.“We are here to serve South Africa, but that means mutual respect and a real commitment to fighting corruption,” Steenhuisen said.