As political tensions within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) escalate, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is set to address the nation at 15:00 on Saturday, following the expiry of its 48-hour ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa cancels work trip amid tensions in GNU
This follows Ramaphosa’s removal of DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield from the national executive without consulting the party. In response, the DA is now questioning its future within the GNU.
President Ramaphosa, it’s reported, has cancelled a planned working visit to Spain. According to the Presidency, this decision was made to monitor internal developments amid fears the DA may withdraw from the GNU.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the change in plans on Saturday morning, saying:
“Indeed, the president has cancelled his trip to Spain to keep a close eye on developments at home.”
This cancellation is a strong indicator of the political dispute triggered earlier in the week when Ramaphosa axed Whitfield, citing a trip to the United States undertaken without authorisation.
Whitfield, however, maintains he requested permission from the President on 12 February 2025 but did not receive a response for ten days. He proceeded with the travel and later issued a written apology, again with no reply from the Presidency.
Watch below: DA addresses the nation on its GNU ultimatum
The DA alleges that Whitfield’s dismissal is not consistent with how other ministers accused of wrongdoing have been treated. The party points to ministers such as Thembi Simelane, Nobuhle Nkabane, and David Mahlobo—each facing various allegations—who remain in their posts.
In a statement issued by the DA, the party criticised the president for what it described as a “calculated political assault” on the DA and a “flagrant double standard.”
The party claims Whitfield was removed not for misconduct, but because he “stood in the way of looting” and exposed corruption within his department.
The DA’s federal executive met on Saturday morning to determine its next steps. If the President does not reverse the dismissal and take action against ministers implicated in corruption, the DA has indicated it may leave the GNU.
A DA official reportedly stated, “All bets are off” if Ramaphosa fails to meet the demands set by the party.
The party is expected to announce its decision during its scheduled media briefing, and the outcome could reshape the future of the coalition government.
Tune into the briefing below:
