Ramaphosa Dismisses DA Deputy Minister Whitfield Amid Corruption Allegations

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Andrew Whitfield, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition from the Democratic Alliance (DA), citing insubordination related to an unauthorized overseas trip. Whitfield had requested permission to travel to the United States but received no response before departing, and later apologized, also without reply. DA leader John Steenhuisen condemned Ramaphosa's decision, criticizing the president for removing a DA deputy minister over a technicality while retaining ANC ministers implicated in corruption scandals such as VBS and SETA. The presidency confirmed the dismissal but indicated no plans for a broader cabinet reshuffle. This move has heightened political tensions and raised questions about Ramaphosa's handling of corruption within his broader coalition government. The firing of Whitfield contrasts with the ongoing crisis in Crime Intelligence, where six senior officers face fraud and corruption charges, underscoring challenges within South Africa's political landscape.