Public Protector welcomes High Court decision on Zille colonialism tweets review application
5 November 2019
Public Protector Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane has welcomed the decision of the North Gauteng High Court to dismiss former Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille's application to have Adv. Mkhwebane's report on Ms. Zille’s controversial colonialism tweets reviewed and set aside.
Adv. Mkhwebane found in June 2018 that Ms. Zille’s tweet that "for those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative think of our independent judiciary, transport, infrastructure, piped water etc." was in violation of the Executive Code of Ethics.
The finding followed an investigation occasioned by an Executive Members Ethics Act (EMEA) complaint by Hon. Khaya Magaxa of the Western Cape provincial Legislature, who had alleged, among other things, that, in tweeting the statement in question, Ms. Zille had failed to act in a manner that was consistent with the integrity of the high office she occupied.
On Tuesday, acting Judge Malebo Habedi dismissed Ms. Zille’s application with Costs—to be paid up to the point she vacated office as Premier. Handing down judgment, the judge found that the application and determination of issues were moot and academic since the Public Protector's remedial action had directed the provincial legislature to take action against Ms. Zille While she was still Premier.