Has the DA averted a political derailment?
While Maimane talks of Mandela and reconciliation, Zille stays on as Western Cape premier, apologises ‘unreservedly’ for colonialism tweets and says she wants to help the DA succeed
The Democratic Alliance has averted a potentially lengthy legal battle with its former leader, Helen Zille, opting for a political solution to the impasse over her damaging tweets on colonialism. The party suspended Zille last week pending the outcome of the disciplinary action against her, but days later emerged with an announcement that ended the logjam between her and current party boss Mmusi Maimane. The settlement allows Zille to keep her post as premier and keep her party membership. But it does neuter her influence within leadership structures and prevents her from attempting to "run the DA from the grave". The party also recognised the difficulty involved in removing Zille as premier without facing legal repercussions. Insiders used the example of a DA member removed from her post in the North West over allegations of corruption. The party has been embroiled, for the past six years, in a legal process with former MPL Juanita Terblanche. The change of tack by the party in dea...
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