* Editor's note: This article has been updated with new information.
JOHANNESBURG - The Presidency has confirmed the dismissal of Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Andrew Whitfield.
Whitfield, a DA Member of Parliament, was serving in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Government of National Unity.
A brief statement from the Presidency thanked him for his service but gave no reason for his removal.
‼️ CONFIRMATION ON CABINET RESHUFFLE
The Presidency can confirm that in terms of Section 93(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed the Hon.
Andrew Whitfield, MP from the position of Deputy Minister for Trade,… pic.twitter.com/OIa4ThAP7i— Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (@Khu_Ntshavheni) June 26, 2025
But eNCA has confirmed Whitfield was removed for travelling to the US as part of a DA delegation even though the president had warned against it.
The group met with US lawmakers and representatives of the Trump administration in March.
DA federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, has called an urgent federal executive meeting to respond to the matter.
The Democratic Alliance has concluded a week-long working visit to Washington DC. It says the aim was to stabilise diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. But, the delegation did not have the blessing of the government of national unity or international… pic.twitter.com/Vj8buGNkHM
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 6, 2025