Ramaphosa says Whitfield’s Removal was due to Violation of Cabinet Rules and Practices

(The Post News)- President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision on the removal of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Andrew Whitfield on Wednesday, 25 June 2025. He stated that it is not a common practice for a president to provide reasons for the reshuffling of Members of the Executive. Ramaphosa said his decision is backed by Section 93(1) of the Constitution, and the reason behind issuing a statement is due to “outright distortions” and suggestions made by several people, including Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and Whitfield himself.

“It is necessary for me to make a public statement on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Whitfield’s removal. Whitfield was removed as a Deputy Minister because he undertook an international visit without the permission of the President,” Ramaphosa stated. Ramaphosa shared that Whitfield’s trip to the United States without acknowledging him or asking for permission was a clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive, citing that this specific requirement is known to all Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

He highlighted that these rules and established practices were expressly communicated to all members of the Executive during the induction sessions at the commencement of the 7th administration. Ramaphosa added that he also recited these rules and practices before the Cabinet in March this year, which stipulates that all international travel by members of the executive must always be undertaken with the express permission of the President.

“This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive. However, Mr. Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule and practice,” he said. Leading up to Whitfield’s removal, the President revealed that he informed Steenhuisen, as the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), that he had decided to remove Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister and outlined expectations from him, which included the presentation for replacement approval from DA, as they are entitled to a Deputy Minister, according to their Government of National Unity (GNU) agreement.

However, the Chairperson of the Federal Council for DA, Helen Zille, refuted Ramaphosa’s claim, saying that Whitfield was fired for his effectiveness in the fight against corruption and job-killing policies associated with his department. “This statement by the President is disingenuous. It pretends that Andrew’s dismissal was because he did not ask the President for permission to travel abroad. Yet he did ask for permission and followed up several times. To date, no response.”

Ramaphosa emphasized that DA’s suggestions are baseless, stressing that the dismissal was only due to the failure of receiving permission for travel and also following the established set of rules and practices.