'My actions were insensitive' - Zille

IN HER OWN WORDS: Former Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille issued this apology on Tuesday

“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 benefitted 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.

Juju warns DA on Zille: 'Axe her or we out'The EFF has piled pressure on the DA, calling on it to remove its former leader Helen Zille from her position as premier of the Western Cape. 

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.”