DEMOCRATIC Allinace (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane has announced that former party leader and Western Cape premier Helen Zille has been suspended from the DA. This comes after tweets sent out by Zille in March spoke about the positives of colonialism. The tweets sparked a backlash of criticism for Zille and the party. She was also castigated by members of her own party.

“Ms Zille has continued to damage the party with various pieces of communication that seek to undermine what we are trying to achieve. Accordingly, Federal Executive has resolved Ms Zille be suspended from all party related activities until such time as her disciplinary hearing is concluded. A notice of suspension will be served on Ms Zille in this regard,” Maimane said.

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

I asked @helenzille to tender an unreserved apology to both SA & the DA for damage she has done. Unfortunately, she declined @MmusiMaimane

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 3, 2017

While the news has been welcomed by some, others pointed out Zille will remain as the premier of the Western Cape. While some Twitter users have expressed shock over her suspension.

https://twitter.com/Chi_Chiboya/status/870960291248566272

So the DA has done opposite to an ANC recall. Zille retains government post but suspended from party position – though she doesn't hold any pic.twitter.com/P9bCRjFkfe

— Ranjeni Munusamy (@RanjeniM) June 3, 2017

So Helen Zille is suspended from political activities but remains the Premier of the Western Cape? pic.twitter.com/Evxj5V3Cvt

— #MiddendorpOut (@Thabiso_Dlamini) June 3, 2017

Helen Zille tweets colonialism
DA detractors complain
She gets suspended
Still dey complain
So what should happen?
Should she be murdered?

— KG (@KgotsoM2) June 3, 2017

https://twitter.com/rinmor/status/870952678913912833

https://twitter.com/lunchout2/status/870962157978103808

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