Western Cape premier Helen Zille holds media briefing after her State of the Province Address was interrupted on February 20, 2015 in Cape Town.
JOHANNESBURG – Western Cape Premier Helen Zille is facing disciplinary charges for tweets about colonialism.
She posted a comment, suggesting some aspects of colonialism weren’t bad.
“The matter has been referred to the party's federal legal commission to establish whether her [Zille's] comments amount for a disciplinary hearing,” said Mabine Seabe, spokesman for DA leader Mmusi Maimane.
Seabi added that Zille's views do not represent the views or position of the DA.
For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 16, 2017
Would we have had a transition into specialised health care and medication without colonial influence? Just be honest, please.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 16, 2017
Getting onto an aeroplane now and won't get onto the wi-fi so that I can cut off those who think EVERY aspect of colonial legacy was bad.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 16, 2017
People reacted angrily on social media, with some accusing her of embracing systems of oppression.
Others said she should stay out of the country.
Zille has since apologised for her tweet, claiming it was not a defence of colonial legacy.
I apologise unreservedly for a tweet that may have come across as a defence of colonialism. It was not.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 16, 2017
Maimane says Zille’s view is not that of the party and adds oppression can never be justified.
Let's make this clear: Colonialism, like Apartheid, was a system of oppression and subjugation. It can never be justified.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) March 16, 2017
In December last year, Zille's comment caused an uproar over a restaurant incident in Western Cape.
Restaurant patron Scott Maqetuka and his friend received their bill, with a note typed “2 blacks” on it.
[WATCH] Political Reporter @ThulasSims provides insight on #DA's Helen Zille facing disciplinary charges for tweets defending #colonialism. pic.twitter.com/6eSD2SDbZf
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 16, 2017
