ANC calls Zille 'a divisive' figure within GNU, says she's overestimating her role in its formation
In her recent UK tour, Helen Zille suggested the South African government pursued Israel for war crimes in Palestine because the ANC is funded by the Iranian government.
Helen Zille casts a special vote in the 2024 elections on 27 May 2024. Picture: Carlo Petersen/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has called Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, "a divisive" figure within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Zille recently told a British crowd that business leaders urged the DA to back ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and protect the country from a government that involves the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and MK Party.
However, at a media briefing on Thursday, the ANC said Zille was overestimating her role in the formation of the GNU.
On her recent UK tour, Zille suggested that the South African government pursued Israel for war crimes in Palestine because the ANC was funded by the Iranian government.
In the ANC’s declarations to the Electoral Commission, the Iranian government is not listed as a donor (under the Political Party Funding Act, receiving donations from foreign governments is illegal).
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that Zille’s latest baseless claims were meant to undermine the party.
"We need to make it very clear: if the DA wants to leave the GNU, it’s their call, they can leave tonight, tomorrow. Anytime they want to leave, they can go. This divisive narrative lacks both historical truth and relevance."
At the recent Stop BELA march, DA leader John Steenhuisen refused to answer questions on Zille’s comments.