Helen Zille slams public protector’s findings about that ‘colonialism’ tweet
Zille says the open-endedness of the remedial action exacerbates the potential prejudice to her as it is unknown and unpredictable
Western Cape premier Helen Zille has slammed Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s findings and remedial action on her controversial tweets as irrational and based on legal and factual errors. The findings also "unjustifiably limit the right to freedom of expression"‚ she added. "Sanctioning me for the tweets would have the effects of suppressing free speech‚ as well as the constitutional right to receive information and ideas‚" said Zille in papers filed at the Western Cape High Court. Zille insists that her controversial tweets were never intended to be in praise of colonialism‚ which‚ she stated‚ "subjugated and oppressed the majority in SA and benefited a minority on the basis of race", noting, "This is indeed indefensible and I do not support‚ justify‚ praise or promote it in any way." Zille will go to court later this month to take urgent legal action aimed at blocking Mkhwebane’s finding that the speaker of the Western Cape legislature should "hold the premier accountable" fo...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.