By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has wielded the axe against senior coalition partner in the Government of National Unity, the Democratic Alliance. DA MP Andrew Whitfield has been sacked as the deputy minister of trade, industry and competition.
The Presidency confirmed in a terse statement on Thursday that Ramaphosa had in terms of Section 93 (1) of the Constitution removed Whitfield from the position and thanked him for the time he served.
“However, the president has not indicated any intention to conduct a wholesale cabinet reshuffle,” the statement read.
The move has resulted in DA Federal Council chairperson Hellen Zille convening an urgent meeting.
It also follows Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, lauding the GNU for sticking together in the face of hard lessons over the past year and displaying commitment to continue working together.
A reason for Whitfield’s dismissal was not given. Earlier this year, Whitfield, who is
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