Helen Zille. Picture: Supplied
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille has come out to give a sort-of apology after saying colonialism was not “only negative”.
The former DA leader made reference to the apparently positive legacy of colonialism to “our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water”, among other things.
Despite the scathing response she received on Twitter, Zille continue to justify her view, making further reference to “specialised health care and medication”, which she said would not have been possible without the “colonial influence”.
Later after that, she apologised “unreservedly for a tweet that may have come across as a defence of colonialism”.
“For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc.
“Would we have had a transition into specialised health care and medication without colonial influence? Just be honest, please.
“Getting on to an aeroplane now and won’t get on to the wi-fi so that I can cut off those who think EVERY aspect of colonial legacy was bad.
“I apologise unreservedly for a tweet that may have come across as a defence of colonialism. It was not.”
Leader of the DA Mmusi Maimane came out to “make this clear” that colonialism could not be justified. In response to Maimane, EFF MP and national spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said: “We do not lack such clarity chief, it is your madam who does. So please, she’s on your speed dial, tell her directly. Not us!”
Maimane was also joined by the party’s national spokesperson, Phumzile van Damme, who also reiterated that “colonialism was a crime against humanity. There isn’t a single aspect of it that can be said to be positive or beneficial to Africans”.
DA MP Gordon Mackay tweeted said: “I do not share @helenzille view that colonialism had ‘some benefits’. A system of Oppression & racial supremacy can never be justified. Sad.”