By: Bright Ntuli
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has issued President Cyril Ramaphosa a two-day ultimatum to dismiss African National Congress (ANC) ministers and deputy ministers implicated in state capture-related corruption.
This comes in the wake of the sudden removal of DA member Andrew Whitfield from his post as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. The Presidency has yet to offer an official reason for Whitfield’s dismissal, but the DA believes it may be linked to his recent attendance of a DA event without receiving presidential approval.
Steenhuisen expressed his dismay at the decision, saying he was not even afforded the courtesy of a discussion with Whitfield before the announcement of his dismissal was made public.
“This appears to be nothing more than a politically motivated move to target the DA, while President Ramaphosa continues to shelter ANC ministers with serious allegations of corruption hanging over them,” Steenhuisen said.
He pointed specifically to Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who has been linked in public discourse to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, yet remains in Cabinet.
“Ramaphosa’s failure to act against those tainted by state capture, while swiftly removing a DA deputy minister for a minor procedural issue, smacks of double standards and political expediency,” said Steenhuisen.
The DA leader has now demanded that the President remove all Cabinet members implicated in the Zondo Commission’s findings within 48 hours, or face “further political consequences”, which he did not elaborate on.
Whitfield, who served as deputy minister for just over a year, has yet to comment publicly on his removal. His position was part of the multi-party government of national unity framework established following the 2024 general elections, in which the DA secured significant parliamentary representation.
