Ramaphosa’s Executive Shake-Up: DA Deputy Ministers Ousted Amid Party Leadership Changes Johannesburg, South Africa – In a significant political move, President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed three Deputy Ministers from the Democratic Alliance (DA) executive, following a request from the party’s new leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The ousted deputy ministers are Samantha Graham — Mare (Deputy Electricity and Energy Minister), Sello Seitlholo (Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister), and Mimmy Gondwe (Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training).
The letters of removal from Ramaphosa to the deputy ministers were dated 30 June and were made public via social media by the affected ministers.
Graham — Mare, Seitlholo, and Gondwe shared the letters on Facebook, thanking Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve and expressing their willingness to continue contributing to the nation’s development.
The removal of the deputy ministers follows Hill — Lewis’17 June announcement of changes to DA representation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), with replacements already named.
In a statement, Hill — Lewis said the changes were made following a careful assessment of the DA’s team in the GNU.
News24 reports that the shake-up is a move by Ramaphosa to assert authority following his recent election as the president.
The Mail & Guardian suggests that the shake-up within the DA has triggered an internal revolt within the party.
The South African Government’s official website notes the removal of Andrew Whitfield from the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in 2025 due to unauthorised international travel, which may set a precedent for the removal of the DA deputy ministers.
The DA’s proposed replacements include Eastern Cape MPL and DA provincial chairperson Yusuf Cassim for Gondwe’s position, veteran Gauteng MPL Jack Bloom for Seitlholo, and Alexandra Abrahams for Graham-Mare. Abrahams currently serves as the deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. This latest cabinet reshuffle comes amidst a period of significant change within the DA.
The party has been facing internal tensions and criticism over its performance in the GNU.
The removal of the deputy ministers and the subsequent appointment of replacements is expected to have a significant impact on the party’s future role in the national government.
As South Africa continues to navigate its political landscape, the latest developments raise questions about the stability and direction of the GNU.
With the DA’s representation in the executive undergoing significant changes, the nation watches to see how these shifts will affect the country’s political dynamics and policy implementation.
The removal of the deputy ministers is a clear indication of the shifting political winds within South Africa.
As the DA grapples with internal challenges and the changing landscape of the GNU, the party’s future role in the national government remains a topic of keen interest.
With the new leadership in place, the DA will need to demonstrate its ability to adapt and contribute effectively to the national agenda.
The DA’s new team, as announced by Hill-Lewis, will face the daunting task of navigating the complexities of the GNU and addressing the needs of the South African people.
The success of this new direction will depend on the party’s ability to unite its members and work collaboratively with other parties in the coalition government.
As the nation awaits the next steps in this unfolding political drama, one thing is certain: the DA’s executive reshuffle is a significant event that will have far-reaching implications for South Africa’s political future.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News v2
