President Ramaphosa Removes DA MP Andrew Whitfield from Deputy Minister Position

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

Amidst rumors of a potential Cabinet reshuffle, the President’s Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed to talk radio 702 on Thursday, 26 June 2025, that Whitfield has been officially removed from his deputy ministerial role.

Although no specific reasons were given for this decision, Magwenya denied assertions of an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.

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

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

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