'I will not yield to threats': Ramaphosa on DA ultimatum

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to DA leader John Steenhuisen, saying that he will not yield to threats, after he gave Ramaphosa 48 hours to fire all ANC ministers involved in corruption and nepotism.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

This comes after the DA’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, was fired on Thursday because he undertook an international visit without Ramaphosa’s permission.

The Presidency confirmed the dismissal of the deputy minister, plunging the Government of National Unity (GNU) into shaky ground.

A brief statement from the Presidency thanked him for his service but gave no reason for his removal.

Earlier, Whitfield said the DA may reconsider its role in the GNU if Ramaphosa failed to act against ministers the party deemed compromised.

He confirmed that the president gave no formal reason for his removal, other than citing Section 93(1), which gives the president the prerogative to appoint and dismiss members of the executive.

“At no stage leading up to this letter that I received or up until this evening have I received any formal explanation as to what the reason may be,” Whitfield said.