Letters: Isn’t it ironic . . .

Regarding the outcry over Helen Zille’s tweet “For those claiming the legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc.”, may I ask what her crime was? What she stated is factually correct.
Indeed, colonialism brought many benefits to Africa, including Christianity, medicine, infrastructure, education and more. Can anyone deny that these were beneficial?
She never denied that there were aspects of colonialism that were negative, she simply pointed out some of the positives.
SO WHAT?
I have read every word of her tweet and find no reference to race or her supposed admiration of colonialism.
Isn’t it ironic (or maybe that should be hypocritical) that Winnie Madikizela-Mandela chose to celebrate her 80th birthday at the beautiful but very colonial Mount Nelson Hotel, attended by amongst others that arch enemy of “white capital monopoly” Julius Malema kitted out in a tux (no red overalls and gumboots tonight). Talk about sleeping with the enemy!
Bheki Cele chose Lynton Hall as the venue for his wedding reception and the ANC chose the magnificent Oyster Box Hotel (where the staff wear pith helmets and safari suits) for their post SONA 2017 gathering. This is of course home to European royalty including Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco when in town.
Do they not see the irony of it?
So, for these people it’s ok to enjoy the luxuries of these exclusive establishments with their long colonial histories, but pointing out that colonialism was not ONLY bad gets you deep in the manure if you are on the wrong side of the fence.
To borrow the words at the end of Helen Zille’s tweet: “Just be honest, please.”
ANDREW REYNOLDS
Tinley Manor