#ZilleDebate: Zille defends colonialism tweets

Yesterday members of the Western Cape Legislature debated Hellen Zille’s controversial tweets that defended colonialism. This has been dubbed a debate of provincial importance.

The debate follows after Zille was widely lambasted on social media for her tweets that many found offensive. The ANC, which is on the opposition benches in the province, called for the Debate of Provincial Importance, saying Zille must explain her views.

https://twitter.com/Siya_Lota/status/844955939224670208

#ZilleDebate This is WC Premier Helen Zille's speech on those tweets on Singapore and colonialism. @JustKoyana pic.twitter.com/3gSUJAG4rr

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/lesterkk/status/846735583535882241

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

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

This is what she initially said.

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

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

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