Latest news with #Zille
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Helen Zille's remarks on Afrikaner "opportunities" under scrutiny
Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille. Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers HELEN Zille has defended her comments that the Afrikaner community "took all opportunities very seriously" and there was "nothing stopping everyone else from following that example" despite backlash. Zille took to X and wrote: 'Afrikaners took all opportunities very seriously. Educated their children into professional skills and out of poverty. Built huge enterprises from the bottom up. Nothing stopping everyone else from following that example.' Many quickly called her out, citing the racist apartheid system. Approached for further comment on Thursday, Zille told the Cape Times: 'Read the history of Afrikaners between 1902 and 1940, in any authoritative history. They started absolutely poverty stricken and economically excluded, and the story of how they changed that in the ensuing three decades is clear. The historical facts of the transition from poverty to prosperity of Afrikaners is well documented in many sources. Taking offence will not change this.' This comes as the DA has turned to court to challenge the Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEAA), which the party believes will repel investors and discriminate against certain races. Her comments also come as the 2025 Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) annual report showed that white people were eight times their Economically Active Population (EAP) at top management, while the black population representation at just 18.0% is four times below their EAP. The statistics contained in the report forms part of the Department of Employment and Labour's basis to forge ahead with legislative amendments despite pushback from opposition parties, in particular the DA. Employment Equity deputy director, Niresh Singh told a recent EE Roadshow in Pietermaritzburg that employers who are not compliant with the Employment Equity Act (EEA) will be excluded from doing business with organs of state. 'Designated employers must comply with Chapters II and III of the Act whereas those not designated have to comply only with Chapter II. They must attach the certificate of compliance which can only be issued by the Minister for a period of 12 months. The certificate can be revoked at any time for failure to comply.' He told the gathering that the certificate of compliance issued by the Minister will only be issued when the minister is satisfied that the employer has complied with the numerical targets in terms of Section 15A relevant to that employer, if the target is not achieved, the employer must have raised a reasonable ground to justify the failure. Singh said Section 53 has been in the Act since 1998 and was not promulgated then. 'And now it is promulgated and will be in force', he said. General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) president Mametlwe Sebei said it was clear that without any pressure, from the state, 'there's not going to be any de-racialisation of the workplace".
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
GNU's ‘clearing house' called into question
DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille said the party will challenge the Expropriation Act. Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers The Government of National Unity's (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, established to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member coalition, has been questioned over its effectiveness by the DA and Rise Mzantsi. Despite the mechanism's efforts to address disputes, the DA has continued to raise issues separately, including its latest challenge to the Expropriation Act, specifically the issue of nil compensation. Recently, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille described the GNU clearing house mechanism as a "waste of time," stating that it does not work and "everyone acknowledges its ineffectiveness". "What we need is a mechanism in the GNU to implement clauses 19 and 18 (in the terms of reference). We do not need to renegotiate the laws of the game or anything; what we need is mechanisms that implement the statement of intent," Zille said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The DA has launched several court challenges since its inclusion in the GNU, including a challenge to the Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEAA) and the Expropriation Act. The party argues that these laws are unconstitutional and will negatively impact the economy. The DA's lawyers will appear in the North Gauteng High Court to challenge the EEAA, which the party believes will repel investors and discriminate against certain races. The party's Federal Council has also passed a motion supporting Section 25 of the Constitution, which states that compensation for expropriated property must be "just and equitable" as determined by a court of law. The DA will pursue a constitutional challenge to the Expropriation Act in the High Court, arguing that it poses a direct threat to the rights enshrined in the Constitution and undermines the country's investment climate. Rise Mzansi spokesperson Mabine Seabe said his party would like to see the Clearing House Mechanism terms of reference finalised, so that the body has full effect. 'The body is only as good as the terms of reference and the goodwill of the signatories to the Statement of Intent. We will continue working through all fora to ensure that South Africa is a better place in 2029 than it is today,' Seabe said. The Good Party's Brett Herron said the Clearing House had only dealt with one substantive dispute - on the implementation of the BELA Act - which was raised by the DA in the first Clearing House meeting. 'Although we dealt with the BELA Act it was not, in our view, a matter that was appropriately brought to the Clearing House. The dispute should've arisen in the GNU cabinet or between the Party Leaders and then be referred to the Clearing House as a dispute resolution mechanism,' Herron said. 'The Expropriation Act has already been passed by the last parliament and signed into law by the President. It's a product of another election mandate. 'If the DA wants to persuade the GNU parties to amend policy on expropriation it should raise the issue in the cabinet or the GNU party leaders forum and if their proposal leads to a dispute or cannot be resolved there, then it could be referred to the Clearing House,' he said. Herron further said the Clearing House was not the place for the DA to reopen debate on policies and laws that it had already lost. Despite the parties' skepticism, the GNU Clearing House Mechanism, led by deputy president Paul Mashatile, has made efforts to address disputes within the GNU. The mechanism held its inaugural meeting on October 16, 2024, where it welcomed the draft Terms of Reference and agreed to finalise them in the next meeting. The meeting was convened by Mashatile, who emphasised the importance of resolving policy disagreements within the GNU. Political analyst Dr John Molepo said the effectiveness of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism remains to be seen. 'While this mechanism has provided a platform for discussion and resolution of disputes, the DA's continued court challenges raise questions about its ability to address the complex issues at hand,' he said. Mashatile's acting spokesperson was unavailable for comment on Tuesday. Cape Times
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
DA posing a challenge to GNU internal resolution body
DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille said the party will challenge the Expropriation Act. Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers The Government of National Unity's (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, established to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member coalition, has been questioned over its effectiveness by the DA and Rise Mzantsi. Despite the mechanism's efforts to address disputes, the DA has continued to raise issues separately, including its latest challenge to the Expropriation Act, specifically the issue of nil compensation. Recently DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille described the GNU clearing house mechanism as a "waste of time," stating that it does not work and "everyone acknowledges its ineffectiveness". "What we need is a mechanism in the GNU to implement clauses 19 and 18 (in the terms of reference). We do not need to renegotiate the laws of the game or anything; what we need is mechanisms that implement the statement of intent," Zille said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The DA has launched several court challenges since its inclusion in the GNU, including a challenge to the Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEAA) and the Expropriation Act. The party argues that these laws are unconstitutional and will negatively impact the economy. The DA's lawyers will appear in the North Gauteng High Court to challenge the EEAA, which the party believes will repel investors and discriminate against certain races. The party has reaffirmed its firm rejection of expropriation without compensation, vowing to defend private property rights through both legal and legislative means. The party's Federal Council has passed a motion supporting Section 25 of the Constitution, which states that compensation for expropriated property must be "just and equitable" as determined by a court of law. The DA will pursue a constitutional challenge to the Expropriation Act in the High Court, arguing that it poses a direct threat to the rights enshrined in the Constitution and undermines the country's investment climate. Rise Mzansi spokesperson Mabine Seabe said his party would like to see the Clearing House Mechanism terms of reference finalised, so that the body has full effect. 'The body is only as good as the terms of reference and the goodwill of the signatories to the Statement of Intent. We will continue working through all fora to ensure that South Africa is a better place in 2029 than it is today,' Seabe said. The Good Party's Brett Herron said the Clearing House had only dealt with one substantive dispute - on the implementation of the BELA Act - which was raised by the DA in the first Clearing House meeting. 'Although we dealt with the BELA Act it was not, in our view, a matter that was appropriately brought to the Clearing House. The dispute should've arisen in the GNU cabinet or between the Party Leaders and then be referred to the Clearing House as a dispute resolution mechanism,' Herron said. 'The Expropriation Act has already been passed by the last parliament and signed into law by the President. It's a product of another election mandate. 'If the DA wants to persuade the GNU parties to amend policy on expropriation it should raise the issue in the cabinet or the GNU party leaders forum and if their proposal leads to a dispute or cannot be resolved there, then it could be referred to the Clearing House,' he said. Herron further said the Clearing House was not the place for the DA to reopen debate on policies and laws that it had already lost. 'I think the Clearing House could be more effective as a structure if it was properly used by the GNU parties. That hasn't really happened yet,' Herron said. Despite the parties' skepticism, the GNU Clearing House Mechanism, led by deputy president Paul Mashatile, has made efforts to address disputes within the GNU. The mechanism held its inaugural meeting on October 16, 2024, where it welcomed the draft Terms of Reference and agreed to finalise them in the next meeting. The meeting was convened by Mashatile, who emphasised the importance of resolving policy disagreements within the GNU. Political analyst Dr John Molepo said the effectiveness of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism remains to be seen. 'While this mechanism has provided a platform for discussion and resolution of disputes, the DA's continued court challenges raise questions about its ability to address the complex issues at hand,' he said. Mashatile's acting spokesperson was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
DA reaffirms opposition to expropriation with nil compensation
The DA'c court challenge on the Expropriation Bill has caused tensions in the GNU. The DA's federal has passed a motion to reaffirm its stance against the Expropriation Act with nil compensation expropriation and will continue its court challenge. DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille announced on Monday evening that a 149 member body, the party's high decision-making body between congress' passed the motion to affirm the official opposition's longstanding position against Expropriation of Property Without Compensation. 'The Federal Council unanimously approved the motion which confirms our support for Section 25 of the Constitution, and the well-established DA position that just and equitable compensation adjudicated by a court of law must be paid for any expropriation'. Motion The motion which the DA Federal Council passed 'unanimously' reads: 'Acknowledging that secure private property rights under the rule of law are essential to fixed investment, economic growth, job creation, and better living standards for the people of South Africa, the Democratic Alliance (DA): Supports section 25 of the Constitution of South Africa. Asserts our support that compensation must be just and equitable, as adjudicated by a court of law, in cases of expropriation in terms of the Constitution. Rejects the notion of 'nil compensation' as established by the Expropriation Act, 2024, as well as the limitations placed by the Act on rights of private property owners in contesting the terms of expropriation in court Supports the existing efforts of the DA to take the Expropriation Act, 202,4 on judicial review and explore every other opportunity to render the Act less of a risk to private property rights. 'The DA continues in our court case challenging the constitutionality of the Expropriation Act in the High Court,' Zille said. ALSO READ: 'SA should've passed Expropriation Bill in 1996' – Ngcukaitobi Court challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Bill into law in January 2025, setting new guidelines for land expropriation without compensation. The DA has challenged the act and argued that the law is unconstitutional and, therefore, invalid. It opposed the Bill throughout the parliamentary process, as it did earlier iterations of the Expropriation Bill and the failed amendment to Section 25 of the Constitution. The DA then applied to the Western Cape High Court in February to nullify the act, which has caused tensions in the Government of National Unity (GNU). Expropriation Bill The Bill, which replaces the Expropriation Act of 1975, allows land expropriation without compensation if it's in the public interest or for a public purpose. It also irked US President Donald Trump, who claimed that South Africa's expropriation law is aimed at 'seizing ethnic minority Afrikaners' agricultural property without compensation'. Constitution In February, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi said South Africa should have passed a law to redistribute land equitably when the country's final constitution was passed. Ngcukaitobi said of all the clauses in the new Expropriation Act of 2024, none had generated more heat than section 12(3), which enables the state to offer 'nil compensation' in certain instances to an owner of expropriated property. 'We should have passed a law in 1994 already, or at least 1996 when the final constitution was passed to enable the state to redistribute land on an equitable basis. There is an injunction in the Constitution that requires the state to do that the state has never passed it, and it has no explanation why it didn't pass it'. Ngcukaitobi emphasised that 'like everything in South Africa, the problem with land reform is that is beset by corruption'. ALSO READ: AfriForum challenges Expropriation Act in court, criticises Ramaphosa for 'silently' signing the law
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
JJ Tabane, Londie London and more talk about Helen Zille's Roast
Whether it is her hard-hitting journalism or the indelible mark she has left in South Africa's politics, DA federal chair Helen Zille has become known for her approach to public affairs and media. Never afraid to jump in front of the camera with viral stars and meme kings and queens, May 16 will see her survive her first Comedy Central Roast. From Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff to US President Donald Trump, the Roasts have been a popular stage for big-name Hollywood figures and has-beens alike, who are honoured for their achievements through insult comedy. Speaking to Zille on the event's red carpet, TimesLIVE asked whether this was her downplaying some of the contentious and divisive remarks made in the past that have offended many in and out of politics. Zille said she was more than keen to leave people feeling hot under the collar. 'I'm here to ruffle some more feathers. I'm here to take feather-ruffling to the next level,' she said. We spoke to a stars who will take to the stage to find out what they think about Zille's upcoming Roast. NAMBITHA BEN-MAZWI I think this is a smart rebrand. We get to see a side of her that is more likeable for the target audience, which is us, the youth. Politics is very serious and there's a lot we can get into, but I try not to get into it publicly. These are my dinner-party conversations. However, I think it's a very smart strategy and after tonight I think there will be a huge audience that follows her and sees her in a different light. I see the Martha Stewart strategy here. It will be a rebrand and you won't see it coming. JJ TABANE She has to account for the things she's said. My view is that her tongue is a double-edged sword. That's what I'll be taking the Mickey out of. PRINCE DUBE Tumi Morake on the red carpet at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival in Sandton. Image: Thapelo Morebudi If Donald Trump or Justin Bieber can be roasted, who is Helen? You know what? After this, can we get Cyril [Ramaphosa]? Even Jacob Zuma, we are here for it. TUMI MORAKE What makes it great — and we've watched a lot of American ones — we want somebody who is on top of people's minds and they've affected people one way or another. They have a large body of work and with Helen we had to cut down on the things we want to talk about. She is the perfect fit for this. LONDIE LONDON All I can say is you guys need to look out for this Roast. Nothing is going to be downplayed. Everything about Helen is out there, so she can be roasted about it. That auntie has a lot of issues, from the things she did in the 2010s to her issues with Zuma. It will be an interesting Roast.
