Helen Zille Apologises for Colonialism Tweet
DA Leader Mmusi Maimane said in a press briefing on Tuesday that he was “personally angered” by Western Cape Premier, and former DA leader, Helen Zille’s tweet about colonialism. With Maimane sitting at her side in the briefing, Zille apologised unreservedly “to the South African public who were offended by this tweet and my subsequent […]
DA Leader Mmusi Maimane said in a press briefing on Tuesday that he was “personally angered” by Western Cape Premier, and former DA leader, Helen Zille’s tweet about colonialism.
With Maimane sitting at her side in the briefing, Zille apologised unreservedly “to the South African public who were offended by this tweet and my subsequent explanation of it”. Read Zille’s full apology below.
Helen Zille apologizing for her colonialism tweets, says her actions were insensitive. #Zille @IOL pic.twitter.com/u3FGVVmUdW
— Zintle (@ZintleMahlati) June 13, 2017
The Democratic Alliance and Zille reportedly reached a settlement whereby she apologised, and will remain as premier of the Western Cape, but will no longer participate in any DA activity.
Maimane said: “It was important to me that Helen offered the South African public a fulsome and unqualified apology, and I am glad to say that she is now prepared to do that. Her willingness to admit wrongdoing and apologise is a quality that I believe sets her apart from many other political leaders in our country.
[WATCH] #Maimane says #Zille realises that her tweets were hurtful to many people, particularly black South Africans. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/1opAuFU3Uf
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 13, 2017
“This has not been an easy decision. The alternative was to become embroiled in a protracted legal battle in the lead-up to the 2019 election. I have no doubt that this would have done further damage to the project we have embarked upon, to the detriment of every South African committed to non-racialism and constitutionalism.
“I believe this agreement allows us to draw a line under an unfortunate episode and to move on in the best interests of all South Africans.
Full Apology by Helen Zille
“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.
“In South Africa, colonialism and apartheid subjugated and oppressed a majority, and benefitted a minority, on the basis of race. This is indeed indefensible, and I do not support, justify, praise or promote it.
“I realise the wounds of history that my tweet and subsequent defence of it has opened. In particular, I recognise that my actions were insensitive to South Africans who suffered under colonial oppression. For this, I am genuinely sorry.
“During this period I have made public utterances that have had the effect of undermining the Leader of the Democratic Alliance and the project he is leading. I greatly regret this. Mmusi Maimane is the democratically elected Leader of the DA and we must all get behind his leadership.
“My intention now is to do everything I can to restore the public trust that has been eroded. Now, more than ever, we need to unite behind a shared vision of one nation, with one future.”