Mbalula warns DA Ramaphosa won't tolerate disrespect from deputy ministers
The two parties have been at loggerheads due to the sacking of Andrew Whitfield as deputy minister of trade, industry and competition.
Whitfield was fired last week after embarking on an unauthorised international trip.
ALSO READ:
- 'Even if the DA walks away, GNU will not collapse' - ANC's Mbalula
- ANC calls on DA to clarify if it wants to stay in GNU or return to opposition party role
- Andrew Whitfield axing: DA's John Steenhuisen feels disrespected by President Ramaphosa
This has angered the DA, with the party giving the president a 48-hour ultimatum to reinstate Whitfield.
To some, it comes as no surprise that the ANC and DA find themselves in yet another political standoff.
The latest fallout has led the DA to threaten a motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa and to boycott the National Dialogue.
The party has also warned it may withhold support for the budgets of ministers accused of corruption.
But Mbalula said that the DA should know better than to disrespect a sitting president.
"The president will not sit back and tolerate disrespect from deputy ministers. Nelson Mandela fired his own wife from Cabinet for a similar offence. So, who does Andrew Whitfield think he is?"
Mbalula insists the Government of National Unity (GNU) will remain intact even if the DA decides to walk away.
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