Ramaphosa Fires DA Deputy Minister, Straining South African Coalition

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Andrew Whitfield, the deputy trade minister and member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, sparking tensions within the multiparty government. Ramaphosa's office offered no official reason for Whitfield's removal, though DA leader John Steenhuisen stated it was due to Whitfield traveling abroad without presidential permission, despite earlier requests that went unanswered. The dismissal has been criticized by the DA as a political attack and has led to an urgent meeting of its federal executive, while analysts believe the coalition will remain intact despite the dispute. The incident unfolds amid broader concerns about corruption and calls from parties like ActionSA for wholesale cabinet reform, including removing all deputy ministers and addressing accountability issues. Additionally, the sacking coincides with controversy surrounding government tenders linked to influential ANC figures, intensifying political strains. Ramaphosa has stated he does not intend a full cabinet reshuffle, but the event highlights ongoing frictions between the ANC and its coalition partners over governance and policy direction.