South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield, a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), in a surprise move that may shake the fragile coalition government. The presidency offered no explanation for the decision, sparking speculation about deeper rifts within the coalition administration formed after last year’s elections, in which the African National Congress (ANC) failed to win a parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades. While the coalition pledged to boost the economy and protect the constitution, tensions between Ramaphosa’s ANC and the DA have simmered over key legislation and budget negotiations. Whitfield’s firing rattled markets, reversing earlier gains for the rand and government bonds. Meanwhile, DA leadership has convened a meeting to discuss the development before issuing a formal response.
Bloomberg
