South Africa’s political tensions have reached a boiling point after the Democratic Alliance (DA) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding the dismissal of several ANC ministers and deputy ministers facing serious corruption allegations.
The explosive demand follows the controversial axing of DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield, who was removed from his post in the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition — officially for failing to obtain presidential approval for a February trip to the U.S. The DA, however, slammed the move as a “calculated political assault” and accused Ramaphosa of blatant “double standards.”
DA leader John Steenhuisen is calling for the immediate removal of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, and Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister David Mahlobo — all of whom face unresolved allegations but remain firmly in office.
Simelane stands accused of receiving a R575,600 loan tied to illegal investments in the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank during her time as Polokwane mayor. Nkabane allegedly misled Parliament regarding the independence of SETA board appointment panels, and Mahlobo has long been shadowed by damning findings from the Zondo Commission, which linked him to corruption during the state capture era.
The DA argues that Whitfield, who reportedly submitted a travel request on February 12 and never received a reply, was sacrificed over a procedural technicality — while ANC ministers with far graver accusations continue in their roles without consequence.
“This is not justice. This is political protectionism,” said Steenhuisen during a press briefing, warning that failure to act by June 28 could fracture the fragile Government of National Unity (GNU) — the coalition structure formed after the ANC lost its majority in the 2024 general election.
As the deadline looms, South Africans are watching closely, with many voicing anger over perceived immunity for powerful ANC figures. Ramaphosa’s response could determine the fate of the GNU — and potentially the course of the country’s governance.
