President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Andrew Whitfield for embarking on an international trip without presidential approval.
The announcement was made on Friday, 27 June 2025, following Whitfield’s recent visit to the United States, which Ramaphosa says violated established executive protocols. The President referenced Section 93(1) of the Constitution in removing the DA-appointed Deputy Minister from office.
According to Ramaphosa, all cabinet ministers and deputies were briefed at the start of the 7th administration on the requirement to obtain presidential permission before undertaking international travel. He said these rules were reiterated in a cabinet meeting held in March this year.
Ramaphosa stated that Whitfield was aware of the violation, having sent a letter of apology after the trip. Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen was informed ahead of the removal, and acknowledged during discussions that Whitfield had anticipated disciplinary action.
During their exchange, Steenhuisen questioned whether such a dismissal had precedent, to which the President pointed to similar decisions made by former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki in 1995 and 2007 respectively. Both former leaders removed deputy ministers who had travelled abroad without permission.
Ramaphosa criticised Steenhuisen and the DA’s reaction, saying attempts to politicise the dismissal or link it to unrelated matters were unjustified. He dismissed suggestions that the removal stemmed from anything other than the breach of executive conduct rules.
He added that the President’s authority to appoint and dismiss members of the executive remains protected by the Constitution, and said he would not bow to political pressure or ultimatums regarding his decisions.
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