South Africa's main opposition suspends former leader over racism row

The Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party in South Africa, has officially suspended its former leader, Helen Zille accused of fanning racial tensions on social networks over her controversial tweet on the positive aspects of colonialism.

“For those claiming legacy of colonialism was only negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc.” wrote Zille, a white South African who is the current premier of Western Cape province

“Madam Zille’s initial tweets and her subsequent justifications have undermined our reputation in the public and … undermine our reconciliation project,” said Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Democratic Alliance.

Her immediate public apology did not help to lift the sanction.

She says that she will abide by the DA’s decision to suspend her. A DA disciplinary committee on the matter begins on Friday.