DA Backtracks on Announcement of Immediate Suspension of Helen Zille

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has backtracked on Leader Mmusi Maimane’s earlier statement that “we have suspended Helen Zille pending the outcome of her disciplinary hearing” as if it were a fait accompli.

As Zille pointed out in her statement of response earlier today, she had received contradictory messages – a letter from FedEx Chairman James Selfe which gave her until 6 June to provide reasons why she should not be suspended; compared to Maimane’s statement which is “unequivocal that the suspension is already operative”.

She also noted that the decision did not comply with the requirements of the DA’s federal constitution “which requires that I be given time to make representations on the matter”.

Maimane had said the “Federal Executive has resolved Ms Zille be suspended from all party related activities until such time as her disciplinary hearing is concluded. A notice of suspension will be served on Ms Zille in this regard.”

Since saying that, he has either backtracked on the decision… or he has learnt first hand the danger of one’s words being misconstrued.

The DA has now sent media the following message, changing the announcement to an “intention” to suspend her, and saying that the final decision is still to be made.

The full email to the press says: “In response to queries, please note that the DA Federal Executive has written to Helen Zille to signify its intention to temporarily suspend her from Party activities until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings instituted against her.

“We have given Helen Zille the opportunity to indicate to us why she should not be so suspended.

“The notice calling for representations on suspension has already been served and requires any representations to be made within 72 hours.

“The final decision of the DA Federal Executive regarding whether to suspend Helen Zille will be made once any such representations have been made and considered.”

Zille tweeted this late afternoon: “DA now changing its suspension statement saying I have 72 hours to say why the FedEx should not suspend me.”

Read the DA’s announcement of Helen Zille’s Suspension, and her response.