DA threatens to quit GNU

OUTRAGE: 'PRESIDENT MUST ALSO FIRE ANC MINISTERS AFTER DA DEPUTY SACKED'

- Brendan Seery

A leader, John Steenhuisen, yesterday threatened to bring down the government of national unity (GNU) unless President Cyril Ramaphosa fired all delinquent ministers within 48 hours, after DA deputy minister of trade, industry and competition Andrew Whitfield was sacked yesterday.

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane and two other ministers allegedly guilty of misconduct were allowed to stay in their posts.

Addressing the National Assembly, Steenhuisen accused Ramaphosa of applying "flagrant double standards" in sacking Whitfield after he went on a supposedly unauthorised trip to Washington earlier this year.

Steenhuisen claimed Whitfield had written to Ramaphosa to ask for permission for the visit but, 10 days later, had received no response. Afterwards, Whitfield again wrote to the president, apologising if his action caused offence.

"Again he received no response," Steenhuisen said, adding that yesterday Ramaphosa announced the dismissal without notifying or consulting the DA.