The "political" solution that DA leaders have reached with former leader Helen Zille is one that will haunt the party in the 2019 general election. Mmusi Maimane announced on Tuesday that in order to avoid a protracted legal battle that could extend into the campaign for the next election, a compromise had been reached in which Zille would step down from all DA political positions, refrain from commenting on general political affairs unless her communications are cleared first and stay on as Western Cape premier. The alternative would have been to expel her from the party (and from its list), which would have resulted in her automatic removal as Western Cape premier. The DA’s federal executive, aware of Zille’s stance, then fully expected her to litigate against her expulsion. It was Hobson’s choice. The option chosen sends the message that although Maimane is leader of the party, he is not completely in charge. It raises doubts over the status of black leaders in the DA and over th...
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