Zille throws hat back in the DA ring

HELEN Zille has resigned from the

Institute of Race Relations to return to politics.

Zille will run for chairperson of the DA’s federal council.

“After careful consideration and consultation, I have submitted nomination forms to contest the position of chair of the DA’s Federal Council,” she posted on Facebook yesterday.

“I did so after being approached by various senior leaders throughout the week.”

The vote for a new chairperson is scheduled for later this month, after James Selfe announced in June he would be stepping down after 19 years.

“In recent months, the DA has been through a period of turmoil and distress,” Zille wrote.

“As a party, it is important for us to reflect, to introspect and to begin the process of reconnecting with voters.

“If elected as chairperson of the federal council, my objective will be to support the leadership in its goal of stabilising the party and getting it back on track.

“I love the DA and the values it represents – freedom, fairness, opportunity and diversity.

“South Africa cannot succeed unless the DA succeeds. I am prepared to work hard and to play my part in saving our democracy.”

Zille joined the institute earlier this year, after ending her 10-year tenure as premier of the Western Cape.

“I wish you well at this critical juncture in the evolution of our country,” said Dr Frans Cronje, chief executive of the institute.

South Africans had mixed responses on Zille’s political return.

@kafcooil tweeted: “You should make yourself available for the party presidency too.

“The country has gone downhill since you left because there has been no proper direction in providing checks and balances on governance leaving a vacuum.”

Others said it was time for a shake-up in the DA, with a new direction rather than an old one.