Keeping DA on a short leash dutifully at heel

WHAT a cringingly embarrassing week this has been for DA leader John Steenhuisen and his party.

- WILLIAM SAUNDERSON-MEYER

In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa firing Deputy Trade Minister Andrew Whitfield over an unsanctioned trip to the US in February, Steenhuisen lost the plot. He launched into a heel-drumming, foot-stomp-ing, shin-kicking display of petulance worthy of a thwarted two-year-old. In the end, it had much the same effect as most childish tantrums: none.

It was the wrong move over the wrong issue at the wrong time. As a result, both Steenhuisen and his party, which loyally but unthinkingly charged into the fray in his support, now look exceedingly foolish. Yes, Whitfield had applied for permission to travel and the habitually prevaricating Ramaphosa had not replied. But the president had expressly forbidden any member of his administration to travel to the US without his express approval.

Yes, Ramaphosa is firing Whitfield for a minor peccadillo while retaining several patently corrupt ministers in his Cabinet. But that is his presidential prerogative.

Steenhuisen took a disproportionate degree of umbrage over what was, in truth, just another of the petty humiliations that Ramaphosa seems to take pleasure in inflicting on the DA. He does it because it shows the many ANC critics of cooperation with the DA, that he is in total control. He is the master with the DA on a short leash, head down, tail tucked, walking dutifully at heel.