MPLs to debate Zille’s tweet

A DATE for a debate into tweets extolling the positive aspects of colonialism by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille has been set for the provincial legislative assembly next week.

This after the Speaker of the legislature Sharna Fernandez approved a request by the ANC for an urgent debate into the matter.

Zille’s comments on colonialism were widely criticised on social media last week.

“Getting onto an aeroplane now and won’t get onto the Wi-Fi so that I can cut off those who think EVERY aspect of colonial legacy was bad,” she had tweeted.

“For those claiming legacy of colonialism was only negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water, etc.”

Zille later apologised, following an uproar on Twitter, saying her tweets were not in defence of colonialism

On Monday, leader of the ANC in the legislature Khaya Magaxa wrote to Fernandez requesting an urgent debate.

And yesterday Fernandez’s office confirmed through a statement that the debate would take place on Tuesday and would take precedence over other matters scheduled for the day.

“The Speaker deemed this request to be of sufficient public importance to warrant a debate over and above the normal parliamentary programme,” the statement said.

Zille’s spokesperson, Michael Mpofu, was approached for comment, but had not responded at the time of publication.