DA suspends Helen Zille following colonialism tweets
The decision was made by DA Leader Mmusi Maimane on Saturday, 3 June.
POLOKWANE – Maimane says the DA have suspended Zille pending the outcome of her disciplinary action regarding her controversial tweets about colonialism.
It has become evident that @helenzille & I hold fundamentally different attitudes about the mission DA must accomplish in 2019 @MmusiMaimane
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 3, 2017
Maimane made the announcement at a media conference in Kempton Park on Saturday.
Maimane said Zille’s social media commentary and public utterances in connection with colonialism undermined the DA’s reconciliation project.
He went on further to say that he had asked Zille to tender an unreserved apology to both South Africa and the DA for the damage done to which she refused.
.@helenzille has continued to damage the party with communication that seeks to undermine what we are trying to achieve @MmusiMaimane
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 3, 2017
#DAFedEx has resolved @helenzille be suspended from all party related activities until such time as her disciplinary hearing is concluded
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 3, 2017
This has not been an easy decision. But, as the Leader, I must do what is right for the party and South Africa @MmusiMaimane
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 3, 2017
Zille responded by saying the DA’s decision did not comply the the party’s own federal constitution which requires that she be given time to make representation on the matter.
my statement (2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/nNaNZJVFlT
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) June 3, 2017
The DA responded by giving Zille 72 hours to respond.