ANC asks Zille why she hates blacks

2012-05-11 10:38

Cape Town - Western Cape Premier Helen Zille was asked in the provincial legislature why she hated black people so much, Die Burger reported on Friday.

Speaker Richard Majola on Thursday banned ANC MPL Patrick McKenzie from asking Zille: "Premier, why do you hate black people so much?"

McKenzie asked why Zille often used derogatory language to refer to blacks, referring specifically to her "refugee" and "professional blacks" tweets, as well as a statement in 1999, in which she referred to several women in the National Assembly, saying: "They're taking up space there, earning a salary, eating a big lunch, packing padkos and driving away in a big C-class Mercedes Benz without making any contribution."

Zille defended her tweets, saying they were neither insulting to blacks, nor that her 1999 statement referred to black women specifically.

She said her words were being twisted, and that this was a clear example of how obsessed with race the ANC was.

"All they're doing is making sure that people continue to hate each other so that they can carry on winning elections," she said.

'Horrifically insulting question'

McKenzie then attempted to ask his question.

"That is a horrifically insulting question," Zille responded.

The ANC in the Western Cape later said in a statement that under Zille's leadership, the province was fast becoming one of racial hate, and it was dismayed by her attitude.

"The ANC expects better from this premier as she has to instead assist to break down racial conflict and build cohesion in government and the province. When one looks at her and her party's record, it seems to be anti-black as perceptions are growing that black people feel unwelcome in this province.

"The DA and Zille don't help to allay adverse views by making loose remarks that hurt other people, especially blacks. Zille's reactions in the legislature also don't help to change the opinion of blacks," said McKenzie.

- SAPA