Steve Hofmeyr. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark.
Controversial Afrikaner-rights activist Steve Hofmeyr has challenged DA leaders to prove Western Cape premier Helen Zille wrong in her sentiments on colonialism.
This after DA leader Mmusi Maimane, among other DA leaders, said they thought differently from Zille when it comes to colonialism. The former DA leader controversially tweeted that: “For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc.”
Among other things, Zille also said: “Would we have had a transition into specialised health care and medication without colonial influence? Just be honest, please,” adding that: “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.”
After there was public outrage over these remarks, Zille said: “I apologise unreservedly for a tweet that may have come across as a defence of colonialism. It was not.”
In response, Maimane said that “a system of oppression and subjugation”, colonialism, cannot be justified because it was “like apartheid”.
Hofmeyr, who once claimed, even more controversially, that “blacks were the architects of Apartheid”, dared all those who slated Zille for her remarks to first prove her wrong before “crucifying” her.
“Could someone, ANYONE, prove @helenzille wrong before crucifying, trampling and feeding her to the dogs?” asked the Afrikaans artist/activist,” adding: “Dear Lord. Please don’t make us wait 20 years for the end of political correctness just because we’re South African.”
Last year, following Britain’s vote to leave the EU, Hofmeyr longed for a sort of Brexit of his own, and even casually tweeted that a Wexit, the exit of the Western Cape from South Africa, might be possible.
The ANC and EFF have called on the DA to sack Zille for her comments.
“The African National Congress is appalled, although not surprised, at the latest social media pro-colonialism rant by a leader of the Democratic Alliance and premier of the Western Cape Hellen Zille. The remarks Zille made on social media in defense of colonialism are nothing short of the type of posture you would expect from a colonial apologist, said the ANC in a statement.
The EFF said: “We call on the DA to remove Zille from premiership following these comments as they demonstrate that she has no appreciation for our democratic dispensation. She has proven that she cannot be entrusted with public office, in defense of our constitution.”
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