Durban - DA leader Helen Zille and KwaZulu-Natal MPL Mbali Ntuli took their party’s internal differences to social media this weekend, with lots of Twitter and Facebook users joining the virtual brawl.
The fight started after Zille reacted negatively to a Facebook post in which Ntuli said: “(KwaZulu-Natal) Premier (Senzo) Mchunu has just come up to me to thank the DA for their contribution to the debate. Promised a meeting where we can table more input.” Zille commented: “Sounds as if you think this is a compliment.”
Ntuli, who resigned as leader of the DA youth after complaining about being frustrated by the national leadership, posted her Facebook message after she was involved in debate on youth issues during a sitting of the KZN legislature late last week. At the weekend, social media was abuzz with differences between the two.
Some social network users attacked Zille, including journalists, gender rights organisation leaders and political party leaders like Julius Malema.
Ntuli replied: “It is not about me, Helen. DA policy I represented was recognised by the premier as valuable to help young ppl (people)… it would be great if the premier took our suggestion and used them to help young people in KZN just like in WC (Western Cape).”
Zille, the Premier of the Western Cape, said: “It depends on who is complimenting what, doesn’t it?”
Malema hit back at Zille. “If you have nothing better to do wena Helen, look for Bible and go to church,” he tweeted.
Sisonke Msimang, of Sonke Gender Justice, said: “Trying to humiliate her but @mbalimcdust is too much of pro to be baited.” Former government spokesman Jimmy Manyi told Zille she should have phoned Ntuli instead
Mail & Guardian reporter Sam Sole said Zille’s comment was unbecoming.
Nolutha0209 said: “Mbali et al will soon know, like Lindiwe did, that the DA is no home for a black person with brain.”
The DA leader in the eThekwini Municipality, Zwakele Mncwango, said: “Asikhule ngezithi (let us talk about) ANC caucus, (it) is divided in eThekwini council.”
Later, Zille backed down. “Well done, Mbali! You had a huge impact,” she said.
The Mercury