‘Maimane wants Zille to quit her position as Western Cape premier’
Former DA leader Helen Zille is putting up a fight to remain in control of the Western Cape after tweets she sent out about colonialism got her into trouble with the party's executive.
Mmusi Maimane and Helen Zille share a word. File picture: Michel Bega
Several sources who have intimate knowledge of the storm brewing between Maimane and Zille have said the DA leader is digging in his heels and wants the Western Cape premier to leave her position.
Sunday Times reports that Maimane is unimpressed with the controversy brought by Zille’s tweets, which were seen to have justified colonialism and are expected to dent the party’s quest for more black votes.
Two Maimane confidants have spoken out about how he wants to see Zille leave.
“Even Helen Zille’s people in the Western Cape are gatvol. But we’ll see. She won’t go without a fight…there are similarities between HZ and Thatcher.”
Maimane and Zille have been locked in meetings to find a solution for her actions. Both would not comment what the outcome was or if they had begun to see eye to eye.
“I cannot say anything about the meeting. It is important the federal commission be left to do its job in a fair and balanced way. That is the difference between the DA and other parties. There will be no political interference,” Maimane said.
The DA is also facing the the potential threat of having its coalition with the EFF collapsed as that party has called for Zille to resign.
READ MORE: Leaders who praise Zille travesty ‘will be dealt with decisively’, says Mashaba
Almost two weeks ago, Zille’s tweets on colonialism caused a furore. 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.
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