Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has sought to explain why she found that Western Cape Premier Helen Zille‘s tweet about colonialism violated both the Executive Members Ethics Code and provisions of the Constitution.
The Public Protector says Zille’s comments, being a member of the executive, has the capability to influence the public.
Zille has indicated to Mkhwebane that she will take the finding on judicial review.
Mkhwebane says Zille’s comment was interpreted as re-opening the pain and suffering for the victims of apartheid and colonialism.
“She has violated the principles of the constitution by uttering such words which has the possibility of dividing society and bordering around the issues of violating people’s integrity and brings back the pain. The constitution is very clear on the issues of dignity as South Africans and we expect those holding positions of power to assist this country to move to another level. My concern is that this is investigated in terms of the Executive Members Ethics Code and how she uttered those words with the position that she is holding. “
