South Africa's DA party withdraws from national dialogue amid coalition dispute
- On 28 June 2025, South Africa's Democratic Alliance withdrew from the National Dialogue following the dismissal of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield by President Ramaphosa.
- The DA's decision followed Ramaphosa's dismissal of Whitfield over an unauthorized trip abroad and arose amid corruption allegations targeting ANC ministers serving within the post-June 2024 coalition government formed after the elections.
- DA leader John Steenhuisen condemned the firing as unilateral and bad faith, stated the party will not participate further in the National Dialogue, and vowed to vote against budgets for departments led by corrupt ANC ministers.
- Steenhuisen cautioned that if the ANC does not replace ministers implicated in controversies with candidates who meet the standards set by Whitfield’s dismissal, the DA’s Federal Executive may seriously consider initiating a formal process to challenge Ramaphosa’s leadership.
- Despite withdrawing from the dialogue, the DA will remain in the GNU but plans to mobilize civil society to oppose the dialogue initiative, which it labels a waste of R740 million.
39 Articles
39 Articles
South Africa’s pay-as-you-go presidency: Ramaphosa’s calculated flex
Sam’s viewOn Thursday, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa fired Andrew Whitfield, the deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, for travelling abroad without approval. On the surface, the breach was serious enough to warrant action. Ministers are bound by collective discipline.But timing and context matter. Whitfield had long-standing tensions with his senior, Minister Parks Tau, in a department that carries real weight at a tens…
South Africa: ANC partner quits key govt initiative as new spat hits coalition
The withdrawal from the 'national dialogue' by the Democratic Alliance (DA) is the latest instability to rock South Africa's unity government which has just marked its first anniversary
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium