Helen Zille Tweets Her Way Back Into Colonialism Controversy

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille has tweeted her way back into an argument over the legacy left by colonialism.

Her latest tweets were triggered by an opinion piece in the Guardian on Friday, titled ‘Colonialism can work – just look at Singapore’.

Journalist William Saunderson-Meyer tagged Zille, and rather than ignoring the post, Zille replied: “I’m waiting for the sky to fall in. And BTW I said the LEGACY of colonialism (ie what was left behind) was not ONLY negative. I was not referring to colonialism itself. There is a big difference.”

Later she said: “My prediction: History will show that although colonialism was inherently evil, the success or failure of former colonies in a globalised tech-driven economy depends on whether countries tried to build on – or destroy – aspects of colonialism’s legacy. That’s the crucial point.”

Zille argued that the debate is essential while SA still has a “small window” to decide “whether we go the route of Singapore or Zimbabwe”.

Responding to a twitter user who tried to point out to Zille that her arguments were “childishly pursuing a point to the extent that it’s made you a major liability to your party” and “making it hard for undecided voters to choose the DA”, Zille responded: “I have nothing to do with the DA as a party anymore.”

However, for most South Africans it appears Zille does still represent the DA and her comments seem to be causing damage to the reputation of that party… with Twitter users sharing screenshots of her tweets, labelling Zille as “a gift that keeps on giving to the ANC”.

Last year, in March 2017, Zille created a twitterstorm when she tweeted a list of advantages that colonialism had left behind, following a visit to Singapore. After pressure from DA Leader Mmusi Maimane, Zille issued a full apology, saying: “After a period of debate and reflection, I recognise the offence caused by my tweet on 16 March 2017 with regard to the legacy of colonialism. I therefore apologise unreservedly to the South African public who were offended by this tweet and my subsequent explanation of it.”

This morning, 9 January 2018, Zille tweeted: “Papers full of speculation about whether Zuma will deliver the SONA on 8 Feb. I’m more interested in whether and when he is going to submit his first income tax return since becoming President (or maybe EVER)? Are so many SAns really OK with having a tax dodger for a President?”

Twitter user Asief D replied: “We’re not. I’m also not ok with having a premier in my province who smaaks colonialism. Please tell us what can we do about both issues?”

Zille responded: “Well your one problem is easily solved. I don’t smaak colonialism. In fact I hate it. But I do not want to destroy schools and universities as a result. Do you get the distinction?”

A couple of days ago Twitter user Stuart Watson said in a tweet to Zille: “Good gracious, not again? The academic correctness of the argument is immaterial in comparison to the hurt that the very mention of the word causes in any context. Your obstinance on this matter has been severely damaging to you and the DA. Let it go.”

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