Helen Zille Calls Urgent Da Meeting After Ramaphosa Fires Deputy Minister

Democratic Alliance DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille has called an urgent meeting of the partys Federal Executive.

This follows a decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove the DAs Andrew Whitfield as Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister on Thursday 26 June.

The Presidency can confirm that in terms of Section 931 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, Industry and Competition, the Presidency said in a statement.

The President has thanked the former deputy minister for the time he served in the role. However, the President has not indicated any intention to conduct a wholesale cabinet reshuffle.

The Presidency did not provide reasons for Whitfields removal or announce a replacement.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, declined to take questions on the development at a post-Cabinet-meeting media briefing.

I have no answers to any questions. This is a sole prerogative of the President. My duty was just to convey this message to you, she told reporters.

Zille was quick to react to the Presidencys announcement.

I have convened an urgent meeting of the DA's Federal Executive today, following the actions of President Cyril Ramaphosa around the composition of the National Executive of the government of national unity, Zille said in a statement.

The DA's Federal Executive will meet later today and the DA will give further comment thereafter.