This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

South Africa’s main opposition party said on Sunday that it has charged a provincial leader with misconduct after she tweeted that colonialism had brought benefits including clean water.

Helen Zille, former leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the current premier of the Western Cape, could be expelled for the tweet which unleashed fierce criticism from her own party and opponents. She will remain the leader of the Western Cape during the internal party investigation.

“For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water,” she wrote on Twitter in March.

Helen Zille (@helenzille) For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc.

Helen Zille (@helenzille) Would we have had a transition into specialised health care and medication without colonial influence? Just be honest, please.

Zille later wrote that she was not defending colonialism and apologised for the tweet.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane, who is black, told a press briefing in Cape Town that disciplinary proceedings had begun against Zille, who is white – but that she would not be suspended during the investigation.

“Our party has always stood for the principle of freedom of speech. This case is not about freedom of speech. Our party has stood for South Africans from all walks of life,” he said.

“People can express a view but does that view do damage or harm to the interests of the organisation, which is what this is.”

The DA, which won 22% of the vote in 2014’s general election, has been gaining popularity and trying to shed its image as a “white” party.

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But efforts to broaden its appeal among black voters have been bruised by social media scandals, and the party has struggled to present itself as a credible alternative to the ruling ANC.

If the party upholds the misconduct charge against Zille she could face permanent expulsion from the party, temporary suspension, a fine of up to $3,700 (£2,960) or community service, among other sanctions.

“There is preliminary evidence that there is a strong case to be made,” said Maimane.

“I’ve got to build an organisation that reflects South Africans. In that instance premier Zille has the right to answer.

“It is personal, I have respect for premier Zille, she has served this country with distinction – it would be incorrect to suggest that she hasn’t.

“It would also be incorrect to draw conclusions to say that she’s racist. That’s not the person I know.”