South African President Issues Firm Rebuttal Amid Growing Tensions in Coalition Government

Edited by: Widad WAHBI

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered a stern warning to his coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), declaring that he “will not yield to threats and ultimatums,” following escalating tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The conflict erupted after Ramaphosa dismissed Deputy Trade Minister Andrew Whitfield, a DA member, for embarking on an unauthorized trip to the United States earlier this year. Whitfield was part of a delegation that traveled to Washington in February, amid strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the U.S.

In response, the DA issued an ultimatum, demanding the dismissal of other executive members from different parties accused of similar misconduct. The party warned that if Ramaphosa failed to act by Saturday, it would reconsider its position in the coalition.

In a detailed statement released Friday, Ramaphosa justified his decision, stating it was in accordance with constitutional provisions. While noting it was uncommon to publicly explain such dismissals, he said “several unfortunate statements and outright distortions” compelled him to break with tradition.

“Mr. Whitfield was removed because he undertook an international visit without the president’s approval,” Ramaphosa explained, emphasizing that all executive international travel must receive prior authorization from the presidency.

The president further clarified that DA leader John Steenhuisen had been informed in advance and was invited to nominate a replacement for the deputy ministerial post, which the party retains under coalition agreements.

To underscore the precedent, Ramaphosa cited past dismissals for similar infractions, including the removal of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela by Nelson Mandela in 1995.

He firmly rejected any suggestion that Whitfield’s dismissal was politically motivated: “There is no basis for claims that this dismissal stemmed from anything other than a violation of executive protocol.”

Ramaphosa concluded, “Let it be clear: the president shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, particularly from executive members whom he appoints under the Constitution.”

The DA responded by accusing Ramaphosa of applying “flagrant double standards” and warned that failure to comply with their demands would force the party to reconsider its participation in the GNU.

In a Thursday interview with South African broadcaster SABC, Whitfield expressed disappointment over his dismissal, admitting that although his request to travel had been submitted two weeks in advance, it was never formally approved.

“I took silence as consent – perhaps that was a misjudgment on my part,” he said, while also suggesting political motives may have played a role, describing the firing as “premature and unnecessarily provocative.”

Whitfield added that the DA is reassessing its future in the coalition: “I don’t see how the DA can continue to operate in the GNU as it stands. Leaving is one of the options.”

The Democratic Alliance is among ten parties that joined Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) in forming the coalition government after no single party secured a majority in the 2024 elections. However, disagreements have plagued the alliance from the outset.

Earlier this year, the DA further strained relations by withholding support for a key national budget vote, prompting the ANC to accuse it of “complete betrayal” and undermining coalition solidarity.