Maimane denies dragging feet over Zille fate

The leader of the Democratic Alliance, Mmusi Maimane, has denied the opposition party is dragging its feet in pronouncing the fate of Western Cape Premier Helen Zille who was embroiled in controversial colonialism remarks two months ago.

The former DA leader sparked a public outcry on social media when she posted a series of posts that suggested colonialism had brought benefits to the country.

“For those claiming legacy of colonialism was only negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water,” Zille had posted on her twitter account on March 16.

Her tweet brought much criticism from both political parties and the media. It also did not go down well with Maimane who has since ordered for disciplinary action to be instituted against her.

Two months have passed since the matter was brought to the party’s federal legal committee for investigation, which will be followed by disciplinary action.

Denying claims that the DA was dragging its feet towards finalising the matter pertaining to Zille’s disciplinary hearing, Maimane said the party respects institutions and there should processes to be followed before a decision could be made.

“It is not a delay in judgement. Everybody who is accused of anything has a right to appeal and respond to the issues raised. We have already given her a charge sheet and she will be coming back to give us answers. Then we will come up with a judgement. We are a party that stands for institutions,” he pointed out.

“However, I disagree with her words on that tweet. We will make sure this matter will follow due processes.”

Maimane added he referred the matter to the party’s federal legal commission on March 16 2017 for investigation in order to find whether there is a case to answer by Zille.

This followed a result of series of tweets from Zille in which it appears she praised what she said were the benefits of colonialism.

Maimane was in QwaQwa last Sunday meeting with party supporters and community members to garner support ahead of national elections in 2019.

He explained that Zille had allegedly violated the DA’s federal constitution by acting in a manner which has brought the party into disrepute.

Western Cape ANC secretary Faiez Jacobs said it was improper for Zille to remain in her position as premier given her utterances, adding this proves she is above the DA.