Ramaphosa won’t bow to DA ultimatum on firing ministers

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not yield to threats with regard to how he exercises his prerogative when it comes to the hiring and firing of members of the Executive.

This follows an ultimatum by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen that Ramaphosa should fire what he called “compromised ministers” such as Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane within 48 hours.

The ultimatum follows the firing of DA member, Andrew Whitfield, in his capacity as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, on Thursday. The President says he fired Whitfield because he did not have permission to embark on a trip to the US.

Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya says, “It must be made clear that the President will not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of SA.”

Presidency responds to DA’s 48-hour deadline:

The President says he is amazed by the reaction from the DA leader to the removal of Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister.

Ramaphosa says Whitfield was fired because he undertook an international trip without the express permission of the President. In a statement, Ramaphosa says it is not common for a President to provide reasons for cabinet reshuffles, but that he is doing so in the light of an ultimatum by Steenhuisen.

Ramaphosa says Whitfield’s apology for taking the trip without permission indicates that he and Steenhuisen were aware of the gravity of the transgression.