DA gives Ramaphosa 48hrs to fire Simelane, Nkabane
DA leader John Steenhuisen has slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
He called the move a “calculated political assault” on the the second-largest party in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Speaking during a debate on the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill in Parliament, Steenhuisen said Ramaphosa’s reasoning stemmed from a DA-led trip to Washington earlier this year, allegedly undertaken without the President’s approval.
However, Steenhuisen claims Whitfield followed the correct protocol by writing to the President on 12 February to request permission, but received no response.
Ten days later, Whitfield proceeded with the trip and later wrote to Ramaphosa again to apologise if the trip caused offence, but again, received no reply.
“Then yesterday, months after the incident and without a further word on it, the President unilaterally removed a DA Deputy Minister without even giving his largest coalition partner the courtesy of a discussion,” Steenhuisen said.
He argued that the decision shows a clear double standard, as other ministers, including African National Congress’s Thembi Simelane and Nobuhle Nkabane, remain in office despite serious allegations against them.
READ: Nkabane summoned to reveal outstanding names on SETA panel
“While a DA Deputy Minister is removed for not getting a response to a travel request, Simelane remains in Cabinet despite being implicated in the VBS looting. Nkabane remains despite misleading Parliament and trying to deploy corrupt cadres to SETA boards,” he said.
The DA has accused Nkabane of misrepresenting the involvement of legal expert Advocate Terry Motau in her defence and continues to demand her removal.
Steenhuisen also criticised Ramaphosa for moving Simelane to a different portfolio instead of firing her, and for allowing others implicated in state capture, like Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, to continue serving in Cabinet.
READ MORE: Simelane ‘categorically’ denies latest corruption claims
“Hardworking DA members are being fired not for committing corruption, but for fighting it. If this is not urgently corrected, it will go down as one of the greatest political mistakes in modern South African history.”
The DA has now issued an ultimatum: Ramaphosa must fire Simelane, Nkabane, Mahlobo, and other ANC ministers and deputies implicated in corruption within 48 hours.
“Should the ANC fail to meet our ultimatum, all bets are off. The consequences will be theirs to bear,” Steenhuisen warned.
Despite the fallout, Steenhuisen said the DA would still vote in favour of the amendment bill, saying the party remains committed to putting South Africa first over narrow political interests.
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