Western Cape premier Helen Zille has issued an unreserved apology for her tweets and social media posts about colonialism, and has agreed to withdraw from the DA’s leadership structures.

Zille came under fire for her postings to social media in March 2017, where she appeared to defend the legacy of colonialism by saying that it was not “all bad”.

Her post sparked fury among South Africans, who called for the former DA leader to be disciplined.

Zille subsequently followed up her posts with opinion pieces and other posts explaining her position – that she in no way defended colonialism, and apologised to anyone who took offence, thinking she had.

However, the saga did not end there. Zille soon found herself facing backlash from within the DA itself, with leader, Mmusi Maimane, speaking out explicitly against Zille.

The party instituted disciplinary proceedings against Zille for the tweets, and for subsequent posts bringing the party into disrepute.

Zille was subsequently suspended from the party, pending a disciplinary hearing.

At a joint press briefing on Tuesday, Zille and DA leader Mmusi Maimane said that the two parties managed to reach an agreement.

“After a period of debate and reflection, I recognise the offence caused by my tweets about colonialism. I therefore apologise unreservedly to South Africans who were offended by them,” Zille said.

Maimane said that Zille’s record in fighting apartheid and her contribution to a democratic South Africa speaks for itself, and was never in question.

“But there is no question that her tweet and subsequent defence of it did damage to race relations in our country and set us back as a party,” he said.

“All of us, especially leaders in our society, must remain mindful that colonialism was not a victim-less crime. Many South Africans suffered directly under colonialism and apartheid, and continue to be disadvantaged by the legacy of colonialism and apartheid.”

In terms of the agreement, Zille has agreed that it is in the best interests of the party for her to vacate her position on all decision-making structures of the DA, including the Federal Executive, Federal Council and Provincial Council.

In addition, her political communication from this point onward will focus on matters relating to the Western Cape provincial government where she will remain Premier. “If she wishes to communicate on any other political issues, she will abide by the sign-off protocols of the Democratic Alliance, Maimane said.

“This has not been an easy decision. The alternative was to become embroiled in a protracted legal battle in the lead-up to the 2019 election. I have no doubt that this would have done further damage to the project we have embarked upon, to the detriment of every South African committed to non-racialism and constitutionalism,” the DA leader said.

Read: Get rid of Zille, or we will take back our votes: EFF