President Ramaphosa Removes DA MP Andrew Whitfield from Deputy Minister Position

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has relieved Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Andrew Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition.

Amid speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle, the President’s Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed to talk radio 702 on Thursday, 26 June 2025, that Whitfield has indeed been dismissed from his deputy ministerial role.

Although no specific reasons were given for this decision, Magwenya denied any rumors regarding an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.

In response to Whitfield’s dismissal, Helen Zille, Chairperson of the DA Federal Council, announced that she has requested an urgent meeting with senior members of her party.

“I have called for an urgent meeting of the DA’s Federal Executive today, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s actions regarding the National Executive of the Government of National Unity,” Zille stated in a brief announcement.

“The DA’s Federal Executive will meet later today, and the party will issue further comments thereafter.”