# President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not yield to threats or ultimatums over his constitutional powers to appoint or remove members of the executive. This follows the dismissal of the DA’s Andrew Whitfield as deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition for travelling to the US without presidential approval. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya rejected claims of political motives, citing DA leader John Steenhuisen was informed about the decision beforehand:
Ramaphosa rejects DA’s ultimatums after firing Whitfield [SOUND]
ENG MagwenyaOnUltimatums