JUST a few days ago an extra-marital affair involving a public figure was a matter of public interest, according to Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille.

JUST a few days ago an extra-marital affair involving a public figure was a matter of public interest, according to Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille.

Now that "one of her own", Lennit Max, has been caught with his pants down, it has miraculously become a private matter. What duplicity! What utter hypocrisy!

"An extramarital affair between consenting adults in private is not a matter that can be regulated by a political party, the state or the media. If it does not have negative public consequences, such an affair is a private matter that is the concern of the participants, their families, their God and their church", so says Zille, mistress of double speak.

I beg to differ, madam. By any standard, extramarital affairs are wrong. I am disgusted. Zille's statements are made even more repugnant coming from the self-annointed bearer of South Africa's moral compass.

Moreover, the absence of an allegation of sexual harassment does not make extramarital sexual escapades acceptable or less repulsive.

And to even suggest that when done in private it is right and none of the citizenry's business is disingenuous if not insulting to our intelligence. Or is this an indication that the madam has lost the moral compass herself?

Moral regeneration is a serious matter and should not be turned into a political football. We need to veer from any pretences, inconsistencies and double standards if we are to win the battle for the renewal of our society.

I remain unimpressed and utterly disappointed.

Mogomotsi Mogodiri,

Johannesburg