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DA Threatens Motion Against Ramaphosa but Stays in GNU to “Fight Corruption”

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2 months ago

June 30, 2025

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Dismissal of Whitfield ignites tensions as DA vows to honour its election promise

In a bold political standoff that’s drawing sharp lines within the Government of National Unity (GNU), Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has vowed the party will remain part of the coalition government, but not without conditions. At the top of the list: fighting corruption, even if it means turning on President Cyril Ramaphosa himself.

The DA, South Africa’s largest opposition party, says it will not walk away from the GNU, but is seriously considering tabling a motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa if the ANC continues to sideline its efforts to expose corruption.

Behind the drama: Whitfield’s firing raises red flags

Tensions escalated after DA Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, was abruptly dismissed by Ramaphosa. The official line cited Whitfield’s unauthorised trip to the United States, but the DA believes there’s more to the story.

According to Steenhuisen, Whitfield’s real offence was asking the wrong questions, particularly around the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) board and the transformation fund, a hotbed for alleged mismanagement.

“The ANC has become increasingly uncomfortable with DA representatives in the GNU because they are uncovering corruption and maladministration,” Steenhuisen told The Citizen.

A house divided: GNU at breaking point?

While Steenhuisen insists that the DA will “stay in to course-correct” the ANC, the cracks in the GNU are becoming harder to ignore.

DA Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson described his department as plagued by “frenzied and rampant corruption.” He claims DA officials have uncovered deep-rooted patronage networks and systemic rot. The party has now pledged to vote against departmental budgets where corruption-tainted ministers remain in charge.

Ministers named by Steenhuisen include Thembi Simelane, Nobuhle Nkabane, and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo.

“If the ANC wants to kick the DA out for fighting corruption, so be it,” Steenhuisen declared. “We will not abandon our mandate.”

Backlash and expert reaction: Calculated or careless?

The DA’s fierce stance has sparked mixed reactions from political experts and civil society organisations.

The FW de Klerk Foundation questioned the party’s withdrawal from the National Dialogue, calling it a missed opportunity to empower citizens:

“The DA has the moral high ground. It’s unfortunate they are walking away from a process the country desperately needs.”

Meanwhile, political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast dismissed the official reason for Whitfield’s dismissal, suggesting Ramaphosa had other motivations, likely tied to party politics rather than governance.

“Ramaphosa acted in the interest of the ANC, not the GNU,” added political analyst André Duvenhage, arguing the president has shown little interest in coalition consensus.

Analyst Goodenough Mashego was even more direct:

“The DA is sulking. The National Dialogue was never a political platform—it was about engaging civil society.”

Can the GNU survive this?

This high-stakes showdown comes just a year after the ANC lost its majority in the 2024 elections, paving the way for the formation of the GNU. At the time, it was hailed as a bold experiment in multiparty governance, a chance to reset the country’s political culture.

But the DA now accuses the ANC of acting unilaterally, refusing transparency, and shielding its corrupt cadres while marginalising its GNU partners.

Steenhuisen insists the DA is not in the GNU for show, they’re in to clean up government. And if Ramaphosa doesn’t play ball, they’re prepared to push him out.

Principle or political theatre?

For now, the DA walks a fine line playing watchdog and partner simultaneously, navigating the risky terrain between staying relevant in governance and losing credibility for compromising on its principles.

Whether this strategy pays off politically or backfires, remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the GNU is no longer a united front. And South Africans will be watching closely to see who emerges as the true guardian of accountability.