While DA leader Mmusi Maimane was defending himself against allegations of corruption, the party’s former leader quietly snuck back and threw her hat into the ring for their top job.
On Friday, Helen Zille announced on Twitter that she had suspended her position as Senior Policy Fellow at the Institute of Race Relations (IRR), and has submitted nomination forms to contest the position of chair of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance.
“In recent months, the DA has been through a period of turmoil and distress. As a party, it is important for us to reflect, to introspect and to begin the process of reconnecting with voters,” said Zille.
After careful consideration and consultation, I have made myself available as a candidate to chair the DA's Federal Council. Read more here: https://t.co/jydAZuDjAp
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) October 4, 2019
Tweeps jokingly warned Maimane that Zille was after his job, especially after the IRR last week endorsed Western Cape Premier Alan Winde to replace Maimane as the next DA leader.
@quineqa tweeted: “Dear @MmusiMaimane. Helen is after you, boy. You you are finished.”
Maimane said on Friday that he will cross that bridge if and when Zille wins the race for the position of chairperson.
She will go up against former deputy chief whip Mike Waters, former mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Athol Trollip and Thomas Walters.
This comes as DA MP and federal finance chairperson Dion George cleared Maimane of financial wrongdoing for his controversial living arrangements in Cape Town and a Toyota Fortuner which was donated to him by Steinhof’s disgraced former boss Markus Jooste.
I have a vision for the DA, a party for One South Africa for All, focused on jobs and justice.
I am not commenting on individual candidates for the position of Federal Council Chairperson. The delegates will decide, let's focus on the future. 🇿🇦
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2019
George said documents submitted by Maimane showed that despite having no formal lease agreement, he paid a R450 000 deposit, and R18 400 per month for rent.
“Mr Maimane has paid rent covering each month he and his family have lived in the house,” said George.