DA leader Mmusi Maimane and the Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille are addressing the media on the tweets Zille made regarding colonialism.
Helen Zille has apologised to the South African public, saying she realises that her tweets were insensitive and opened old wounds of the South African public.
However Mmusi Maimane says he condemns the tweets made my Helen Zille and there is no room for those who wish to divide.
The DA has decided that Helen Zille will step down from all the decision making bodies of the DA.
Her communication will only be limited to the Western Cape were she is premier.
Apology by Helen Zille
After a period of debate and reflection, I recognise the offence caused by my tweet on 16 March 2017 with regard to the legacy of colonialism. I therefore apologise unreservedly to the South African public who were offended by this tweet and my subsequent explanation of it.
In South Africa, colonialism and apartheid subjugated and oppressed a majority, and benefited a minority, on the basis of race. This is indeed indefensible, and I do not support, justify, praise or promote it.
I realise the wounds of history that my tweet and subsequent defence of it has opened. In particular, I recognise that my actions were insensitive to South Africans who suffered under colonial oppression. For this, I am genuinely sorry.
During this period I have made public utterances that have had the effect of undermining the Leader of the Democratic Alliance and the project he is leading. I greatly regret this.
Mmusi Maimane is the democratically elected Leader of the DA and we must all get behind his leadership.
My intention now is to do everything I can to restore the public trust that has been eroded. Now, more than ever, we need to unite behind a shared vision of one nation, with one future.
