Western Cape premier Helen Zille has been slapped down by the Democratic Alliance over several tweets that appeared to be defending certain aspects of colonialism – with the former party leader now facing disciplinary action.<\/p>\n
In a series of tweets on Thursday, Zille said that people claimed that the legacy of colonialism was only negative, but insisted that there were positive effects as well.<\/p>\n
Specifically, the premier said that, thanks to colonialism, South Africa benefited from an independent judiciary, transport infrastructure and other modern social features.<\/p>\n
The statements sparked outrage from social media users, who lambasted Zille for \u2018defending colonialism\u2019 and implying that native societies would be unable to develop similar or better systems.<\/p>\n
Some pointed out that the so-called colonial benefits were not invented or created by the colonists at all, but were invented by other, non-western people.<\/p>\n
In response to the furore,\u00a0DA national spokesperson, Phumzile van Damme\u00a0said that Zille has been referred to the party’s Federal Legal Commission for investigation.<\/p>\n
Zille has already issued an unreserved apology for her tweet.<\/p>\n
“Colonialism, like Apartheid, was wrong. It oppressed millions of people and violated human rights in a cruel and inhumane way,” van Damme said.<\/p>\n
“Colonialism, like Apartheid, is in every single way against our cherished values of Freedom, Fairness and Opportunity for all.”<\/p>\n
“We are a party that stands up for the Constitution, and everything it represents. We want to build a Fair Society where every single South African \u2013 no matter the circumstances of their birth \u2013 can live a life they truly value.”<\/p>\n