President Ramaphosa Explains Dismissal of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield

Pretoria – Friday, 27 June 2025 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken with convention to publicly explain the reasons behind his decision to remove Andrew Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, citing a breach of established executive protocols.

In a strongly worded statement released by the Presidency, President Ramaphosa revealed that Mr Whitfield undertook an unauthorised international trip to the United States—without the constitutionally required permission from the President. This, Ramaphosa said, constituted a “clear violation of the rules and established practices” that govern the conduct of Ministers and Deputy Ministers in the Executive.

“It is not common practice for the President to provide reasons for appointing or removing Members of the Executive,” Ramaphosa stated, “but due to several unfortunate statements and outright distortions—especially by Mr John Steenhuisen and Mr Whitfield himself—it is necessary to clarify the circumstances.”

According to the President, the rules governing international travel by Members of the Executive were explicitly communicated during the induction of the 7th Administration and reiterated as recently as March 2025. “This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive,” Ramaphosa emphasised. “However, Mr Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule.”

Ramaphosa disclosed that Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen had been informed prior to the announcement and had acknowledged that Mr Whitfield had anticipated possible dismissal. A letter of apology from Whitfield reportedly followed the unauthorised trip, underscoring his awareness of the violation.

The President also reminded the public that there is precedent for such action. He cited the 1995 dismissal of the late Deputy Minister Winnie Madikizela-Mandela by President Nelson Mandela and the 2007 dismissal of then Deputy Minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge by President Thabo Mbeki—both for international travel without presidential consent.

Addressing the political fallout, Ramaphosa expressed dismay at Steenhuisen’s public reaction, characterising it as “intemperate,” “irresponsible,” and “unjustifiable.”

“There is no reasonable basis for Mr Steenhuisen and the DA to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative,” Ramaphosa said. “There is also no basis for suggestions that the dismissal is related to any reason other than Mr Whitfield’s failure to adhere to rules.”

Ramaphosa firmly stated that he would not be swayed by political pressure: “Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums—especially from members of the Executive whom he appoints in accordance with the Constitution.”

The President has called on the Democratic Alliance to submit a replacement nominee for the Deputy Minister post, to which the party is entitled as part of the Government of National Unity framework.

Media Contact:
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President
📧 media@presidency.gov.za