An outstanding example of racist thinking - Helen Zille

Ironically, in seeking to be a champion of non-racialism, Heidi Holland provides an outstanding example of racist thinking in its purest form. ('A disservice to white citizens,' The Star May 21 2009)

Holland's article is based on the following premise:  if a person (who happens to be white) criticizes the behaviour of another person (who happens to be black) the white person speaks for all whites in criticizing all blacks.  Because of the history of apartheid, no white has the right to do this.  If they do, they are racist, and doing a disservice to all whites.

They must therefore apologise.  (A black person, according to an inversion of this logic, faces no such constraint.)

This kind of racism was rife in the early years of our democracy.  It relegated whites to "second class citizens", unable to state a fact if any black person might be offended by it.  This warped logic has thankfully diminished somewhat due to many (black and white) South Africans rejecting it for the nonsense that it is.

It is difficult to reach consensus on a definition of racism, but most people agree that it starts with generalizations.  It involves projecting the attributes of an individual onto a group as a whole on the basis of race, with pejorative connotations.  Heidi Holland's narrative is a classic example of this kind of racist thinking.

She uses it make the argument that I should apologise, on behalf of all whites, for my criticism of Jacob Zuma.  Whether I was telling the truth about Jacob Zuma having put his wives at risk by having unprotected sex with an HIV+ woman is irrelevant.  So is the fact that this was one sentence in a logically structured letter to a newspaper in response to a vicious personal attack on myself.  Holland's point is simply this:  as a white, I have no right to criticize the President's behaviour.

What I said about Zuma was not only a fact; it was mild compared to what journalists (and many others) have repeatedly said about him.

This is what the Pretoria News had to say after Zuma's conduct and attitudes towards women were revealed in court:

"The story of  [Zuma's] actions on that fateful night last year is a sad reflection on the former deputy president's morals and code of conduct. Zuma is not fit to lead a country where women's rights are high on the agenda, where the fight against Aids is, or should be, an urgent national priority and where the protection of the weak and vulnerable is the duty of the powerful. South Africa deserves a president who can lead by example. Jacob Zuma has shown he cannot do that."

The Pretoria News' words were far harsher than mine.  But maybe the editorial writer was black, which means (according to Holland's logic) he is allowed to say things that I am not.

Let's look at the Sunday Times on the same subject

"As [Zuma] tries to draw a false screen of moral relativism across his record, we would do well to continue to hold him to account for his own behaviour. In proclaiming, during his artfully choreographed public apology, that he was just a human being, Zuma sought to drag all of us down to his own level of moral turpitude. That is an offensive defence that denigrates every man who would have offered the accuser the help then that Zuma now sanctimoniously proclaims she deserves. If Zuma believes all human beings are as much victims of their appetites as he is, then he is even less deserving of respect than his trial suggests."

When I read what the Sunday Times said about Jacob Zuma before the election, its ongoing campaign against me for voicing more muted criticism is interesting indeed.  Perhaps Holland's logic is at work here as well: because the editor is black, he is allowed to say things that I am not.

Or is it because as a woman, I must respect the taboos around male sexuality?  These taboos are a key component of gender oppression.  They conveniently prevent women from challenging the belief, widely held by many men, that frequent, unprotected sexual encounters are their right.  When I confronted this belief, I became the subject of such a tirade of vicious misogynistic hate-speech, that I began to understand why so many women prefer to focus on monitoring quotas rather than dealing with the real causes of gender oppression.

The real issues gender activists should be addressing were contained in the mind-numbing results of research released at Stellenbosch University recently.  This includes the chilling fact that the statutory rape of children has become commonplace in our society; and that one third of young people believe you can prevent AIDS by taking a shower after sex or by taking a pill.  These findings went unnoticed in the froth whipped up about the composition of the Western Cape cabinet.

But the height of irrationality in Holland's piece is her reflections on her recent sojourn in Norway.  In that country, she suggests, my "bigotry" would not have been tolerated.  Excuse me?  Is she suggesting that in Norway, people would keep quiet if their President had behaved the same way as ours in relation to women or in his financial dealings?  Is she suggesting Norwegians could have kept a polite silence if their Presidential candidate faced charges on some 763 counts of corruption, fraud, racketeering, money laundering (conveniently withdrawn 3 weeks before an election?)  I venture to suggest that in Norway, it would be inconceivable for a person with a record such as Jacob Zuma to have become a serious candidate for leadership in the first place.   Their constitution is a living document, where people
seek to practice what they preach.

In South Africa, our constitution is often a thin veneer over the brutal reality.  The unspoken rule is:  never scratch below the surface.  If you dare to do so, you will be bludgeoned into silence.  This is the message Heidi Holland tried to send me this week.  For the sake of our future, I will continue facing the facts, no matter how much politically correct outrage this elicits.

This article by Democratic Alliance leader, Helen Zille, first appeared in The Star, May 27 2009

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A new white humanity is unlikely to emerge if prominent white people are unable to be magnanimous in the face of the inexperience and ineptitude - political and otherwise - that pervades South Africa in the wake of apartheid. Helen Zille's embarrassing attack shows just how urgently we need increased activism around whiteness and sadly racism in order for people to gain insight into their position and privilege. I call on the many white South Africans who regret and resent Zille's arrogance to denounce it publicly in whatever way they can. Those of us who have tried to interrogate our whiteness seldom get the chance to stand up and be counted."

Heidi Holland, The Star May 21 2009

 

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Helen Zille answers her critics »

Zille answers her critics, part II »

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responses to this article

Heidi Holland I have to pay the same tax, each month... to SARS... Working my self to the bone and then I have to pay one of the highest tax in the world... But I can not complain because I am white... go and do something with Mugabe. I am working for a better tomorow . .more for every one, I don't care if you are black, white, pink, brown what ever you want to be you be but I am no 2nd class south african, if the government wants me to be one the rest of the "white race" will stop paying taxes... It was not only africans that faught agiants NP government... You and most others are not at ease with the colour of skin, now you want to come here and talk rubbish... Heidi if you have a problem that is your right, but just remeber just as you have a right to make you opion known, so does Helen Zille and the rest of the Multi Cultural South Africans... She spoke the truth.... You clearly live in a make belief world like Robert Mugabe... Reality check for you my girl... wake up and smell the roses... Me a whitey aint going nowhere... I was born and bread here, I am a child of Mama Africa, if you don't like it P*** off... . .less by THE AFRICAN on May 28 2009, 16:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidi Where does this women come from, I am a black women and a proud one for that, you said your piece and here is mine... Go and talk rubbish to the americans or robert mugabe... You are so out of it, come back to reality... We want to unite a nation, you . .more are dividing it... Like my brother said please do it and very soon... . .less by Sadi on May 28 2009, 17:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

the irony... How ironic... Here a white liberal (Heidi Holland, suffering from Fay Stender syndrome) attacks another white liberal who, as a Black Sash member, were instrumental in working to isolate the Nats and install the ANC. The calamity brought on by the Black . .more Sash ladies are now being defended as just by Heidi Holland, while a member of the Black Sash are now being targeted by the very people she enabled. The ironies here are too thick even for me to penetrate. Ms. Holland, your points of view will not endear you to the new rulers. At the end of the day what really will count is your identity. The Bible has a fascinating account about this... it goes as follows: Say "Shibboleth". If you say it wrong, then you will be killed. . .less by JVR on May 28 2009, 17:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Holland Isn't she a white zimbo? What the hell is she doing here in SA stating that our favourite white politician must apologise to the man god on behalf of all whites? Heidi, why don't you phuck off? Viva Helen! Viva. by Mongoose on May 28 2009, 17:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JVR Please get over yourself man! I am tired of the nonsence that you spout. I lived in SA as an adult white english-speaking man, and I know exactly how your people governed. Helen was right to do the things she did to bring it to an end. You belong with Dan . .more Roodt. Please go and find his blog. . .less by Benny on May 28 2009, 18:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The thoughtfulness in this piece is amazing We haven't seen this level of thoughtful analysis and debate in a long time. Helen is raising the bar with every piece she writes. The era of slogans, clichés, empty promises and mindless press statements that say nothing is over ... Zille is . .more bringing in a new era of thought provoking debate. Not the pseudo intellectual codswallop that Mbeki tried to inflict on us - this is the real thing. Critics be warned. Reply in kind with equal thoughtfulness ... or risk looking incredibly stupid. . .less by Sad Days on May 28 2009, 19:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ JVR Try and write a comment where you don't mention that Zille was in the Black Sash - I mean, we get it, you are resentful - but you've mentioned it 50 times or more already. Move on man, it's getting really boring and in case you don't realise it, you are . .more starting to look a bit bonkers. . .less by Sad days on May 28 2009, 19:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Say it Benny! It might save you... Benny, say Shibboleth! by JVR on May 28 2009, 19:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I am bonkers Sad Days, and Zille was in the Black Sash! Sad Days -- I am bonkers due to cognitive dissonance. Let me say it again. The reason we are where we are today, is because of the activities of the "white Left", mostly local, but they recruited the Western Left in their desire to conclude . .more the Boer war once and for all. That is the most basic reason why the white (Anglo) Left recruited the ANC in their historic 200 year war on the Boers. What they (the white Left, eg as the Black Sash) did not understood then, is that the relationship was in fact opposite to their perceptions: They were recruited by the ANC to defeat the Nats, the relationship was not one of an intellectual left recruiting an ally - it was the other way round. Maybe Zille understands that now, which is why she is overcompensating in her attacks on the ANC and Zuma these days. What should have been done? We should have fought it out, instead of relying on the imposed resolution of ANC hegemony. The outcome would have been better - fewer dead people, more clearly drawn boundaries, and more restrictions on the perceived victors. But that is water under the bridge. What we have instead, is an imposed calamity (like Zim), with crazies like Heidi Holland essentially laying the grounds for further assaults on whites (because whites are not laying prostrate, they are ungrateful and that justifies action...) . .less by JVR on May 28 2009, 19:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidi talks sense vs Helen talks nonesense Helen Zille has ignored a gazillion articles (penned mainly by black journalists) criticising her open hostility to the man she failed to stop in her misguided and very personal election campaign. But when a former (white) comrade of hers lays on the . .more critisim thick in one of the most reactionay publications owned by the DA darlings, Idependednt Newspappers - she reacts. And yet she has the audacity to preach about racialism and racism. Her so-called struggle credentials keep being brought up in polite company as though that somehow excuses her current broad racism. The attacks on her person by Malema and the likes are very much in line with the cesspool she embarked upon when she saw fit to discuss the state of Julius' foreskin... The scariest part in this tragic war of words is that Ms Zille is so filled with hatred and bitterness, choosing to not be reflective and dynamic enough to read the SA political climate. Yes, Zuma has a million and one flaws - but the ANC made him our presidential candidate and close to 2/3 of those who cast their national ballot made peace with that. It's time for Zille to make peace with a Zuma administration - roll up her sleeves and work hard for all the misguided fools that reside in the WC. She must focus on issues and put to rest the personal attacks that are not constructive... . .less by KS on May 28 2009, 22:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Fay Stender, and Heidi Holland And oh yes Sad Days, we have a wonderful reversal of roles here: Heidi Holland is the New Black Sash, playing the role that the Old Black Sash played in the Old Bad Days by attacking what is perceived as attacks on her beloved New Black Panthers . .more (who cannot do wrong because of what they are and what history is). Fay Stender would have been proud of her!! And this attitude is taken just as is from the Old Black Sash, whose champions also could do not wrong (no matter the bombings the killings the rumours of fraud and murder, and the plans to sow mayhem). Zille has now been reduced by Holland and others, to the role of the Nats. In America, the Left lives by the Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky - including "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, polarize it..... Identify a responsible individual. Ignore attempts to shift or spread the blame." The Black Sash was wonderful in applying this rule on hapless Boers - in the end it brought them to their knees. But it won't work on the ANC. What goes around will come around someday. Holland will also eventually see the light, just like Stender did - after all, her impulses are far more dangerous than they appear on first sight? Would you agree? The rest of us? I suggest you start to think about how the Boers survived in the Laagers. First, think of fresh water... . .less by JVR on May 28 2009, 23:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Er... KS ... Zille is not the one making war talk That would be the ANC. In fact Zille has been happily attending the Premiers meeting with Zuma for the last few days. Read the article man. She merely reminded readers of a piece of information that was public knowledge and that was even admitted by Zuma . .more himself ... and she mentioned it as part of her defence against accusations that she was sexist. Just because Zuma becomes President doesn't mean we all get amnesia. Being elected to high power certainly doesn't wash away all previous sins. So when the organisation you lead accuses others of those exact same sins, then you can't really get all high and mighty when you are, in return, reminded of that murky past. PS - last time I checked Independent Newspapers was owned by an Irishman who spent a lot of time hanging out with Mbeki in the last few years. Zero DA links. PPS - You can't call someone a racist without backing it up with evidence. I am waiting. PPS - before responding to the above, please read the bladdy article first. If you open your mind you might even learn something. . .less by Sad days on May 29 2009, 00:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

HEIDI, JVR TO JVR you must please keep from using the Black Sash name... We would do what we did to the NP gov, and Helen is a true hero for women... that do the job... We women fought agiants NP and we will do the same agiants the ANC... Go for a eye test... you . .more want freedome of speech but others may not say how they feel because then it is racism... Helen spoke the truth, everybody new it... If the people didn't speak againts the NP gov we would still be living in a period of pre 1994, please keep away form using us as a wall for you hollow debate. thank you very much... . .less by Sadi on May 29 2009, 01:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zille v Zuma The point that those who attack Helen Zille insist on missing, is simple enough for a child to understand. Zuma was about to be properly charged in proper court of law to answer more than seven hundred grave charges. What he was charged with, . .more were the kind of offences that hurt everyone in the country - especially the poor. And they hurt democracy itself. Almost every fledgling democrcay in Africa has been destroyed by offences of this nature. The case against him was solid. Even Mpshe admitted it. But he used expensive lawyers (paid for by us) and means that do not bear looking into to avoid his day in court A privilege that no ordinary citizen would have enjoyed.. It was a cowardly and dishonourable thing to do. Just as his actions on the night of the shower were dishonourable. And it looks to every reasonable person very much llike an implicit admission of guilt. I don't say it is, I say it looks like one. Go for this person Helen! Expose him for what he is. I will never accept this man as my president. He disgusts me. . . .less by Sagmoeige Neelsie on May 29 2009, 01:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Black Sash won!! Sadi -- What are you bubbling on about? I absolutely could not get it. Are you unhappy? The Black Sash Caused the ANC. They championed them. Zuma is president today because of the Black Sash. Congratulations. You won. You got what you . .more wanted and you stuffed up the Boers!! So I do not understand why you are upset. You won. You got your way. And I am just acknowledging it. That is all. . .less by JVR on May 29 2009, 02:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JVR Man, you said it absolutely correct. We should have fought it out. Now, instead of a quick solution with new borders, it is going to be a long, slow, painful death for the whites in Africa. They will be kept as cash cows, exploited to pay taxes, used as . .more an excuse for the inevitable failure of the ANC government to the level of Zim. Facts, as spoken by Zille or anybody else, will not sway the dumb 2/3 of the masses that can be intimidated or fooled in voting for a man like Zuma. . .less by CA Bez on May 29 2009, 03:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

STOP THE NOISE! We want real leaders who can think please!!!!!!! Long live Zille! Lets continue to hope that somehow more of our leaders, even Zuma will see the light and start the lonesome path of inner growth to lead us all with a moral compass that can take us past racism, ideology, blindness and plain stupidity... . .more Heidi must go back to the mountains! . .less by Lion on May 29 2009, 05:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sad Days - Happy Insults Nobody has amnesia. In my comment I acknowledged Zuma has a million and one faults. Fact is he is the president of the Republic no matter how hard you bloggers all wish he weren't. Another commentator seems to believe that those of us that voted ANC are . .more mindless herds just because we happen to not want to vote for anyone else as we are convinced that the best government for SA is the ANC right now. Zille's negativity is just not useful, but if she wants to use her constitutional right to reiterate negative truths about Zuma based on court statements - that is indeed her right. It is just not useful right now. That she is attending a lekgotla is good and expected of her by her constituency - I wouldn't expect anything less - so she deserves no particularly commendation for doing something eight other premiers are doing without praise. Cooperative governance should be about building bridges and debating policy and implementation. She got personal while campaigning (something typical of her supporters too - as I can read in your post to me...) but now that she is a premier, she should focus on policy implementation and not mud-slinging. She's getting it back as good as she deserves 100-fold by those who operate at her racist, meaningless level of thinking. . .less by KS on May 29 2009, 05:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The country has spoken I love it when we are reminded that the country has spoken in electing it's new President, so we can't criticise him any more. Indeed, those who have spoken are those that cannot even write. Zuma got voted in by those who like a good disco act with a bit . .more of singing thrown in - so called adults whose mental level hasn't got past puberty yet - like the adults in Parliament who clapped Mugabe when he last visited there. What an irony that Zille helped get this lot into power. Every white liberal should know one thing - Blacks detest patronising white liberals standing up for them even more than they do white racists. A common sight in SA is a Black man urinating openly along our country's sidewalks - I roll my window down and shout at them - why should I tolerate outrageous behaviour by Blacks because I'm White? One way or another maybe we'll be able to drag these people into the 21st century. . .less by Andy on May 29 2009, 06:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JVR I've got great news for you - there already exists this exciting bordered frontier you are speaking about, they call it Orania. Hopefully they don't have internet acess there so we don't have to hear this drivel anymore. You are both racist seeing black . .more as wrong and white as right. Read Sadi's point again - right is right wrong is wrong. The Nats was wrong and had to be fought now the ANC is making some of the same mistakes and they must be fought on these issues. Before God all humans are equal, it is only people that cannot quite get to this ideal. . .less by aj on May 29 2009, 06:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stop the bickering start delivery Hi Hellen, as one of your voters I know you have a sharper tongue and more brains than your critics. Please don't waste time and energy on these twits. Lets have some news about real BIG projects for the Western Cape. How about Whole of Cape Town to . .more become a WiHi Area? New medical school to be opened? Real treatment facilities for drug addicts. Something to really get people talking. . .less by Lynne on May 29 2009, 07:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

If the glove fits wear it.........That means YOU RACISM,PROSTITUTION AND POVERTY Have been with us since the creation of man and ithis phenomina exists throughout the world .So YOU out there in south africa grow up get a life and learn to at least live with or manage those three elements of the . .more worlds incurable social situation.If YOU are the one I am talking to take heed and get off your neighbours case. . .less by RUS on May 29 2009, 07:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

well said helen i voted for you because you: -are brave -speak the truth -are concise but please stop paying attention to these monkeys are focus on the main reason i voted for you: DELIVERY by charlie on May 29 2009, 07:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Cold facts (and no not Rodriguez last album) The only truth and it is a fact is the comment by Bez on May 29 2009, 03:01 (above) by Five on May 29 2009, 07:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

racism I wish someone would explain what is racism.It seems to me it is far more acceptable to be a rapist,murderer,thieve or corrupt crook because you are not guilty until proven . by Paleface racist on May 29 2009, 07:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidi I think Heidi's journalistic credentials should be checked. Even a 12 year old would be able to see from the last election that there are no(none ,zilch) whites who resent or regret Helen's arrogance- there are also a lot of thinking black people who do . .more not resent it!! As a matter of fact they love the way she stands up for her pirinciples - unlike you Miss Heidi. Are you saying that "apartheid" is the cause of JZ's errant ways? If so you demean him more than Helen!! What a sad case you are to be ashamed of the colour of your skin!! . .less by galant on May 29 2009, 07:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zille For President Of all of the politicians, only Zille seems capable of thinking logically. Even Manuel can't do it (supporting the Dalai Lama being refused a visa!). by "Nandos" Malema on May 29 2009, 07:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@KS / JVR KS, you're second response really got me going thinking that perhaps intelligent ANC supporters do exist but then in your last line you had to resort to the boring r word etc etc. To JVR, you are history and what kind of a "fight" do you think we . .more could have against the West's weaponry? I remember a good friend (boer), telling me about the massive underground storage facilities "we" had and let the yanks come. Dream on man, you would not have seen / heard the bomb that would have killed you launched from 250kms away! . .less by dks on May 29 2009, 07:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ask yourself a simple question - Would you rather have a government of Helen Zille clones or a government of Jacob Zuma clowns? by Gee Whiz on May 29 2009, 07:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The point I am a big supporter Helen and agree with your article here but for one underlying premise: I don't see how Pres. Zuma's behaviour justifies your appointing an all male cabinet. That is where you embarrass me. by innercave on May 29 2009, 07:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

whos a racist!?? hey i think bra Julius is a racist. if a non black makes a comment regarding Zuma, then she is called a racist. Julius made even more derogatory comments to Helen. isnt he then a racist? Racism is not white being indifferent to white, it is any . .more discrimination based on skin color! i take no sides, i just say, lets stop with the double standards!!!! . .less by SA on May 29 2009, 08:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ innercave Wake up and free your thinking. It is not race OR gender , it is the best PERSON for the job. Stop being a product of the media and repeating everything you hear, think for yourself. by Dave on May 29 2009, 08:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thank you Mrs Zille for bringing some normality to life. JVR keep going man these lilly white liberals turned racists (I'm not talking about Zille here) are trying to justify there sordid thoughts.Lets give a thought pattern for people like AJ, Sadi etc etc. 1980 Lifes sweet we have a lovely car great country, . .more the odd rugby game and cheap servants, blerrie blecks are where they belong in townships or homelands, 1985 oh no whats this about sanctions who's this Rubicon? is this the rubics cube ? there's no Rubicon river here isn't it the Vaal river are Northern Tranvaal playing WP? Blerrie blacks it their fault. 1988 oh oh I'm getting worried that damn terrorist mandela is getting quite vocal and so are his other Robin island choms. Let me join black sash, End conscription campaign or some loser outfit (won't tell my mates though but better tell that blerrie Betty the maid because if they want to necklace us I can prove I helped them. But they better not try and move into white areas with their aunties and millions of kids. 1990 MANDELA'S FREE WOPEE all I fought for is worth it (just hope those blerrie blacks don't move out of the townships. 1994 Dinner party "oh I was the ANC's strongest freedom fighter and opposed apartheid blah balh blah" . .less by Senhor on May 29 2009, 08:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zille's reply makes Heidi Holland look like the amateur journalist she is. Is this the same Heidi Holland who has nothing but praise for Mugabe? If it is then she should be cut some slack because she doesn't know what she's doing. Wasn't there also a Heidi Holland from Amsterdam involved with the ANC cadres and acts of . .more terrorism on SA? . .less by Ted on May 29 2009, 08:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

We love Helen You have a lot of guts lady and you have earned the respect of many South Africans, white ,coloured ,black ,male and female. Bravo. by Todd on May 29 2009, 08:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidi Holland and Helen Zille Helen Zille has written an excellent riposte to the drivel put out by the (not too intelligent) Heidi Holland, and also pointed to the intellectual bankruptcy of many of her critics who seemingly operate under the mindless fantasy that no white person has . .more a right to criticise a black person, ever. I am sure Zille will NOT be put off by "misguided unprincipled fools and stupid racist idiots" such as KS who supports the notion that a black potentate of the grossest moral turpitude is above reproach simply because his party voted him in as President. KS probably loathes censure of "President" Robert Mugabe too. The ANC would have won the election no matter what kind of twit they made president. We all accept that Jacob Zuma is the President, and we all respect the OFFICE of the President, but that does NOT mean that we accept and condone the incumbent's lack of morals, and are obliged to shut up when it is in fact apposite to remind ourselves of and point to his shortcomings. What does KS think of Minister Gigaba's involvement in the appalling facebook smear of Helen Zille? "SHUT UP BECAUSE HE'S A MINISTER?" The ANC is the ruling party, but morally it sucks, as does its president. . .less by flebus on May 29 2009, 08:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Part ii @JVR 2007 dinner party "I tell you chaps these blerrie blacks are getting out of hand Zuma is a thief and Betty the maid I've provided accomodation for her for 25 years (ok ok in a one room kennel not fit for a dog but much nicer than the townships and she . .more knows I'm a member of Black sash) and she wants an increase. I mean whats ablack person need more than R700 a month for all tehy eat is mealie meal surely. 2009 Oh oh Zuma's in power. I voted DA to try hang on to some white power but now I need to make all the black people in the office think I'm pro Zuma and voted ANC (Damn it was so much easier when we were playing with teh Rubicon cube or whatever it was). So JVR TELL IT LIKE IT IS AT LEAST YOU ARE HONEST UNLIKE THOSE LOSERS . .less by Senhor on May 29 2009, 08:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JVR Ons is almal al siek en sat van jou alewige gesanik oor die Black Sash en ander wat gehelp het om die Boere onder te ploeg. Jou gesanik dra absoluut niks by tot die huidige debat nie, en jy is 'n verleentheid vir ander Afrikaanssprekendes. Hou tog . .more asseblief op met jou nonsens! . .less by mpho on May 29 2009, 08:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Innercave maybe they were the best guys for the job? If you agree with her article then you have totally contradicted yourself with this STUPID STATEMENT by Senhor on May 29 2009, 08:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Time to Work Good for you, Helen. You tell them. Now get off your butt, stop responding to these idioic critics, and start figuring out how to win Gauteng in the next election. You already have my vote, now all you need is a few million more. by The Stig on May 29 2009, 08:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A few responses KS - you used "racist" again without evidence - not good enough - try harder Lynne - you want delivery, listen today, Helen's opening speech in the Provincial parliament. innercave - not back to the male cabinet thing again - if you are . .more still embarrassed then I suggest you are not up to speed with the detailed explanations Zille put forward - I suggest a search of this blog will enlighten you - in the meantime most of us have moved on. . .less by Sad days on May 29 2009, 08:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What's your FACT Zille???? Zille, reports are that woman is actually HIV-negative. 1. Did you personally see her HIV test results before claiming your insults as fact? 2. Do you know for a fact that Zuma did not test for HIV before sleeping with his wives after the . .more alleged rape? 3. Do you know for a fact that Zuma is not using protection? 4. Do you know for a fact that Zuma can be infected by HIV; some people do not contract HIV? 5. Do you know for a fact that Zuma and his wives were HIV negative before alleged rape? If you can't answer all this questions, then you are racist and then answer you all male cabinet?? . .less by Tman on May 29 2009, 08:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Carry on Helen Zille You speak for so many that fear to write to the newspapers for fear of having our ideas edited. Moreover, we are grateful for some calm rebuttal of the hysterical classes by JW on May 29 2009, 08:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DA Supporter Helen, we love you girl!! Keep pushing the envelope, you have our support!! VIVA Helen Zille :) by Proud Capetonian on May 29 2009, 08:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

insulting the office/ person of the President. I can count at least three who insult the office of the President almost every day: 1/. Jacobus Zooma 2/ Julius Malema 3\ Blade Nzimandy 4/. The vavi excrescence by Plutarch on May 29 2009, 08:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bravo Helen You are a shining light in a morass of corruption, and stinking evil. The hate-speech that is being dished out to you by all and sundry in the ANC is nothing short of diabolical. I am leaving South Africa. New Zealand is far from perfect, and I will make . .more many sacrifices, but my family will be safe, and I will no longer be a third rate pink citizen. Even if I have to flip burgers, I will gladly do this, rather than continue to live in the cess-pool that my once beloved country has become. Cry, the beloved country. . .less by pfp on May 29 2009, 09:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Racism Racism is a mental ailment wherein the practitioner(white) beleives that he/she is superior to other races by virtue of being white. by Piet on May 29 2009, 09:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zille Zille for President. !!! by Big Reef on May 29 2009, 09:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

racist Calling someone a racist is the (anti-White) equivalent of calling them a witch. by js on May 29 2009, 09:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

flebus you warm my heart and i mean that. great comment. nothing more i could add. by gph on May 29 2009, 09:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

south africans need to learn a lot about diplomacy the thinking that you could be superior to President Zuma - is overplayed. You are not superior and this day is here to prove it. zille's influence in the early days was merely part of her strategy to come into presidency , and did she think she could . .more so land a soft chair with the Presidency of the ANC. DA is her only vehicle for the President's post and I'm afraid to say that time is past. so hang up all your high flyers - like sarah in the US she tried but she failed. There are just too many good white people to be influenced by your evil ways. Some of your comments borders on rather desperate people. Have nice day :) . .less by to plutarch - ACTUALLY YOU CANNOT COUNT - THAT IS FOUR on May 29 2009, 09:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@KS I agree with KS. Helen may be factually correct and entitled to respond, but it is not useful, productive or conducive to progress to focus on insults and point scoring. Her responses and reasoning are clever, not necessarily wise. JZ is president, like . .more it or not, supported by 2/3 of the voters, some of whom should be Helen's target in the next election - the silly slanging match is only deepening JZ support (and losing mine). Helen, what are you achieving - the points scored are worthless . .less by HK on May 29 2009, 09:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Problem with Helen Everything she say in this artcle is correct and I support her. However: With Zuma for what he is, with Malema for what he says, with the MK Vets for what they say etc etc etc, 65% of RSA citizens still voted for them. So no matter . .more how a true democrat and a non racist Helen is, unless black people in RSA breakaway from "slave mentallity" and really put RSA first (I am hoping this will come from the new educated generation of black people and definitley NOT THE MANTASHE'S of this world), politics in RSA will always be about race. . .less by J on May 29 2009, 09:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Piesangrepubliek Help my ek verstaan nie. Die man het seks gehad met n HIV vrou en dit openlik erken. Tweedens is daar na bewering 700 kriminele aanklagte teen hom. Hoe repekteer jy so n persoon as jou land se EERSTE BURGER? As die vrae gevra word is dit altyd . .more of apartheid of rassisme se skuld. Wanneer gaan ons uit die derde wereldse mentaliteit uitstyg? Ons het tog n Eerste Wereld grondwet. Heidi as jy Afrikaans verstaan, verduidelik tog asb.! . .less by calliefer on May 29 2009, 09:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Heidi Holland I agree with Heidi Hollands article.We as white south africans cannot deny that we were schooled in racism and in its subliminal implementation.An apology would be a token of reconciliation ,but the real work would only begin once all south africans . .more actually understand what racism actually is.I think people in general underestimate the clandestine manner racism embraces in its execution. The Oxford dictionary puts it in a nutshell. "The belief that all members of each race posses characteristics or abilities specific to that race,so as to distinguish it as INFERIOR or SUPERIOR to another race or races." Any intelligent person would be able to asses their behavior in accordance with the description provided and make a clinical decision as to whether or not they are a racist. No guessing the result. . .less by Marshbuzzard on May 29 2009, 09:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dear Sad days can you please point me to Hellen Zilles explanation for appointing an all white cabinet? Thanks by Mischa on May 29 2009, 09:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidie you have the logic of a bannana I think maybe spend more time educating yourself than writing.... by BLAH on May 29 2009, 09:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Tman Wakey wakey ...time to get a brain. Zille does not have to personally see the womans' results ..her status was a fact proven in a court of law. She also doesn't have to answer all your other questions ..what Zille said, was that Zuma was putting his wifes . .more "at risk" which after having unprotected sex with an HIV positive woman (fact) would put them at risk regardless!! As for Heidi Holland ..she has always had a nice little squishy left wing brain ..perfect and safe for this day and age! . .less by Airwolf on May 29 2009, 09:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The facts for Tman In his court judgement, Judge Willem van der Merwe stated that, "It is totally unacceptable that a man should have unprotected sex with a person other than his regular partner and definitely not with a person who, to his knowledge, is . .more HIV-positive." He also pointed out that, "Jacob Zuma was criticised for the fact that he, in his responsible position in government, took the chance of being infected with HIV. He was also criticised for running the risk of infecting his wives. The accused conceded all that." There you have it Tman. Now YOU answer a question. How does questioning the wisdom of someone having unsafe sex make one a racist ? . .less by Sad days on May 29 2009, 09:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

heidi Afew years ago Heidi Holland interviewed Robert Mugabe and subsequently wrote glowing tomes in praise of him. Maybe she has a soft spot for powerful black men! by flebus on May 29 2009, 09:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Tman i'd very much like to see these reports you talk of. please add the link in your next post, otherwise i, and other readers, will take you for a fibber. but to answer your questions in a more logical order than you ask them: 4. zille speaks of . .more 'the risk' of infecting his wives with hiv. until we all know for certain, zille's is a legitimate concern to voice. 5. irrelevant. that they may already be hiv negative does not excuse his infidelity and wilfully sleeping with whomever he chooses while risking spreading hiv. 2. what does it really matter? he could just as plausibly have slept with his wives before he had any results. and judging by past behaviour, jacob doesn't seem to me to be the sort of chap to think things through terribly carefully. besides, sleeping with a woman who - from what everyone but you seems to understand - is hiv positive is pretty irresponsible, test or not test post-coitus. 3. zuma admitted himself he had unprotected sex. what more evidence do you need? 1. have you personally seen the woman's test results before claiming helen is insulting jacob and then claiming these as facts? thought not. . .less by man on the street on May 29 2009, 09:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

REMEMBER Remember the NATS? Had same sort os stupid attacks/intolerance of others who critised them etc. ANC is no different. Onlly they now how, now best etc. At least all South Africans have Helen Zille to fight this nonsense. Keep it up by PIE IN THE SKY on May 29 2009, 09:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

oh well, lets all vote Helen into the presidency and see. The refusal of the components of society to think, like Heidi, offend the truth and keep us underperforming ie the poor remain poor, the unemployed remain unemployed and the rich do business with the rich in other countries. If the poor in the Eastern . .more Cape can finally adjust to being productive it will start an unstoppable spark/fire. The fire will burn out the society think of Heidi because the society think is conducted by the fascists in charge. While fascists love to think for us, they cannot do it very well. With our bunch, there is no evidence that they have done very much of it at all. Please will South Africans switch on the brain cells and make this place hum. . .less by Free the Rest on May 29 2009, 10:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dare to Date Helen your picture is so beutifull will you go on a date with me maby we can catch some nandos sister by al on May 29 2009, 10:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANDY SA voters of J ZUMA are those who clapped Mugabe......... Where in the face of buttocks: Dumbhead by 419 on May 29 2009, 10:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DA = Delivering Apartheid party FEETURING ...Heidi Holland Another collaboration of reviving apartheit ,another method of leading and brain washing stupid people,another strategy of bringing aprtheid back, shame you working so hard for nothing because most people are aware , that is why Mr Zuma is the president . .more and ANC is the ruling party ...Its very sad to let you know that ANC will rule SA forever and Again i am very greatfull to remind you that ZUMA is the people's choice so called the voters choice.I m not saying its wrong for SA to be lead by white person again no a president can be from any gender and any race its just we dont want Apartheid Part ii(2).We are still suffering the loss of our loved ones which caused by your ancestors and you guys want to take us back there hell no ,you will only see it in your dreams ....! . .less by MVPKN on May 29 2009, 10:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

MK vets picture I was very amused when seeing the front page citizen photo of the MK vets, all old and very second hand looking. It reminds us that theres mabey a decade left before the bornfree genration will be of middle age and will drop the shackes of the past. by currently disadvantaged on May 29 2009, 10:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A simple question begs answering: Why is Heidi Holland in South Africa and not apologising to Mugabe in Zimbabwe? Go have more tea with the great ape you idiot! by Joe Soap on May 29 2009, 11:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

MVPKN - the dumbest comment ever on Moneyweb hand's down Wow. You don't want apartheid part ii? The ANC will rule forever? This is a streteg of brining aparthid back? Even Zanu PF is going to lose sooner or later my man, oh no wait they already did but couldn't let go. The rest of your comments are too dumb for . .more comment. Did you know Helen Zille was the journo that exposed Steve Biko's murder? She has brains and morals and if she were black she would be president or vice president and that's a fact (as long as she didn't show-up the Man God). . .less by Dre on May 29 2009, 11:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@MVPKN 20% for woodwork by chance? by dumbstruck on May 29 2009, 11:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@mischa Just in case sad days misses your request; in a nutshell : The law required Helen Zille to select her cabinet from those who were actually elected on the DA provincial list. This severely limited her choice. She chose the ten best qualified persons for . .more the positions available. Zille maintains that the DA is 100% in favour of equity, which means that all people should be able to develop to their full potential, and should be judged solely on their abilities. Incidental attributes such as race, gender, religious affiliation, economic status etc should not be used as selection criteria for public positions. If this principle leads to the selection of a single-gender or single-race group, so be it. Since the DA does not believe in quotas of any sort, nor in tokenism, she stands by her selection of an all-male cabinet as selection of the best people available to her for cabinet posts at the time. In my view Zille did the right thing; she refused to compromise on her principles and needs to be congratulated and applauded for that. . .less by flebus on May 29 2009, 11:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

cut to the chase Lets get to the point, - for a night of scintillating discussion, followed by wild unbridled abandon and passion, would you rather go with Helen or someone like Naledi Pandor. I rest my case.--HELENS HOT!!!!!!- -Go for it girl, you're the best thing thats . .more happened to this country since the Nats came into power. . .less by Voortrekker on May 29 2009, 12:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

It is actually Heidi Holland calling black people inexperienced and inept, in her article in The Star.! by Jan on May 29 2009, 12:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidi Holland, stop, think, breath,,, and try again Helen Zille, you continue to say what needs to be said. There has always been people who fail to see the irrelevance or lack of logic in their arguments. Heide Holland is obviously such a person. Viva Helen Zille, viva! by DMBT on May 29 2009, 12:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Simple ... don't buy the Star I stopped buying the Star when they started publishing racist anti white articles by Jon Qelane. Simple vote with your bucks. Let them blast off both of their left feet. Who gives a toss? I, for one, don't. When the circulation falls, the ad revenue . .more plummets and they feel the pain ... after all its a business. . .less by Lord Max- master of infinity on May 29 2009, 12:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Giving the facts Brillant retort by Zille. I wish we had more of her kind in the country. by Edwin on May 29 2009, 12:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Blacks need to get over themselves... HAHAHA As a neutral party (who was never too white before and now never too black), I find it interesting that 15 years post our first black democratic government, BLACKS still feel inferior and want apologies (amongst other things). Let me get . .more this straight... Helen made a "racist" comment and she must apologise? If I am not mistaken, that inferior Julius made derogatory remarks about Helen sleeping with her entire all-male team and its ok????? I dont hear Helen demanding an apology! BLACK PEOPLE MUST GET OVER THEMSELVES AND REALISE THAT THEY GOT WHAT THEY WANTED... FOR LIKE 15 YEARS NOW!!! . .less by Bollywood King on May 29 2009, 12:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

BLACK PEOPLE MUST GET OVER THEMSELVES AND REALISE THAT THEY GOT WHAT THEY WANTED... FOR LIKE 15 YEAR... BLACK PEOPLE MUST GET OVER THEMSELVES AND REALISE THAT THEY GOT WHAT THEY WANTED... FOR LIKE 15 YEARS NOW!!! by Bollywood King on May 29 2009, 12:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@man on the street ""he could just as plausibly have slept with his wives before he had any results"" is that a fact, Stop thinking like idiot Zille when faced with tough quetions about her all male cabinet, she then insult Zuma You got 0 out of 5. by Tman on May 29 2009, 12:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sense at last What a clear and sensical reply to Heidi H's bland uninformed dinner party drivel. The pursuit of elevated, progressive thought and the upholding of ethics regardless of colour, government and prevailing propaganda-infused zeitgeist is the most valuable . .more notion we have to gather around as a nation. If those like Helen Zille get swept away by the tide of twisted, self-enriching logic that dominates the ANC today, the battle for right and good will have to be fought all over again when realisation dawns that our democracy was stolen away from us. . .less by Goitman on May 29 2009, 12:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

These debates and even mud-slinging ARE useful Why does everyone assume that debate is not useful and that Zille is wasting time answering her critics? In the entire history of South Africa there has not once been a space where people can freely state their opinions and debate amongst themselves, no . .more matter how misguided those opinions are. That is the source of all our problems - people that react aggressively when their opinions are challenged. I think Zille is trying to bring sensitive issues in SA to the light, so that they rise to the surface for healthy debate, instead of being locked away in every individual's mind where an opinion is, ultimately, only the product of background. . .less by Lets talk about sex on May 29 2009, 12:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Truth or Fiction "I was telling the truth about Jacob Zuma having put his wives at risk" - Is this a fact or conjecture. Is Hellen Zille some kind of a peeping tom or dose she just consider her own conjecture as fact. Further as the election is over, I fail to understand . .more what she is trying to achieve. . .less by Yebo Gogo on May 29 2009, 13:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

MVPKN - do the DA want to bring back apartheid Your piece is so badly spelt and put together that I would normally not respond, but let's give you the benefit of the doubt and blame apartheid education from 20 years ago and assume you haven't managed to catch up in the intermediate . .more years. Your fear, it seems, is that the DA want to bring back apartheid. You think this, because that is the propaganda that the ANC spread. They do this to make you vote for them. Let's look at what was apartheid? It was a country's laws discriminating against a person based on his skin colour. An elaborate system determined what racial classification each person should have. The laws that were used to classify people were actually abolished 20 years ago. The ANC today, however, still rely on those abolished laws to continue classifying people as white, coloured, black, indian etc ... They then make laws that decide what people can and can't do depending on their skin classification. Very much like in the apartheid days in fact. The DA, however, accept that these laws have long gone and that people must not be judged on their skin colour. We are all South Africans, they say, so we must be judged only on our skills and talents. If 2 people have then same skills then sure, give the person with the darker skin the advantage. So you see, it is the ANC that is actually continuing with apartheid. . .less by Sad Days on May 29 2009, 13:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Final points to MVPKN The DA used to be called the Progressive party and they were the main official opposition party that fought against apartheid during the apartheid times. So obviously, they would definitely not want it to return after it was finally abolished. . .more The party that invented apartheid, the National Party, actually became part of the ANC. They obviously felt at home in a party that continued to discriminate against people based on skin colour. The DA want South Africans like you to vote for them. If you did and then they brought back apartheid, they would obviously lose your vote for ever. So why would they do that? It is in their interest, once they got your vote, to do everything to make you happy. That's why they would NEVER bring back apartheid. And that is why they hate it when the ANC continues to hypocritically use similar race based ideas. If you are a genuine MK fighter, you fought for a NON RACIAL SA. The ANC is not giving you that. The DA is. . .less by Sad Days on May 29 2009, 13:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hysteria The ANCYL and the ANC War vets are hysterically angry that Zille repeated the words of a Judge in the trial of Zuma for rape. I want to be reminded as often as possible about the character of my new President, lest I be misled by his charm . .more offensive. I don't want my memory to fade of the unsavoury character that got revealed in that case - leopards don't change their spots, and I fear being lulled into complacency. His mates too are something to behold. Malema, Shaik, Communist Blade, Unionist Vavi - they are all here to rip my taxpaying flesh off. No wonder there's hysteria about Zille's remarks - they are provably true and keep alive the truth - the last thing a bunch of jackals coming thru the back door want. . .less by Andy on May 29 2009, 13:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Lets talk about..... I couldn't agree with you more. Those ninnies who say Helen should not waste her time reponding to her attackers and should get on with what they voted in for get on my nerves. Part of her job is to stand her ground on behalf of party and principle; and . .more quietly hiding with her tail between her legs would only encourage her detractors. Admittedly, she should not respond to each and every attack as most of them are so silly and come from such lowly quarters they don't deserve a second thought (Malema, Gigaba, the MKVETs,Eherenreich et al); but the "credible" one's that reach a wider and more thoughful audience should be responded to. Full marks for her response to Heidi Holland! However, I consider it an imposition and a damn cheek for these supposed "voters" to deign to tell her what to do! She has more insight and better judgement of her position than they have, as well as the common sense not to give too much weight to the admonitions of people who have the arrogance to tell her what to do. Aren't they just TOO STOOPID BY HALF? . .less by flebus on May 29 2009, 13:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

test test blocked by Zwakala on May 29 2009, 13:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Tman you're not a very bright fellow, are you? try to keep up. i'll go slowly. zille used the word 'risk', and i suspect deliberately so. i tried to explain this to you before, but you seem to be struggling. so, again - it is possible that zuma did . .more test for hiv before sleeping with his wives. it is also possible that he didn't. until we know, we can only speak in probabilities. a close synonym for which is risk. and given the scale of the hiv problem in this country, it is no small matter. are you following, tman, are you? additionally, i asked you to include the link to this alleged report that explains the victim's apparent hiv negative status. did you conveniently forget to omit it? presumably you didn't omit it deliberately, because then me and other readers will take you for a fibber. or perhaps you're too caught up in emotional reactions to take an evidence-based approach to this discussion, notwithstanding all your appealing for facts. you would also do well to note that this article and discussion concerns race in south africa, not helen's cabinet. keep up, dear tman, please, you're slowing the rest of us down. . .less by man on the street on May 29 2009, 14:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sexual Behaviour in South Africa The constituency of the DA has no better sexual behaviour than any other group. In fact Hellen Zille's own back yard (the leafy suburbs of Cape Town) are well known for promiscuity, multiple partner relationships and risky sexual practices. Are we to . .more belive that being white lowers the risk of contracting HIV. Fact is HIV quietly and secretively lives and propagates in the white community. Trying to stigmatise the Black community as having worse sexual behaviour than whites is just one big lie. Unprotected sex is part of the human condition and has no racial bias whatsoever. BTW - what dose HIV, safe sex and showering have to do with a rape trial. NOTHING! is the answer. That information would have had no bearing on establishing guilt whatsover. It leave's serious question about the integrity of our judicial system. It is so obvious that a broad smear campaign was at work. Give it up Hellen Zille. The election is over, and the smear campaign fagainst JZ failed. . .less by Student on May 29 2009, 14:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@sad days Well said, but dont bother waisting your time trying to give explanations to MVPKN, i think its a joke, as NOBODY is capable of such magnificant intelligence. by dumbstruck on May 29 2009, 14:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I've interrogated my whitest parts Dear Heidi... It appears that I'm totally innocent. If you interrogated your whiteness and found yourself guilty I suggest you make amends. Hugs and kisses, etc. by Tuscanite on May 29 2009, 14:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Bollywood King and Dre This sentence makes me laugh =(She has brains and morals and if she were black she would be president or vice pr) Wow ,then she must try Black like me or Dark and lovely may be this will make you sleep @night .Otherwise i m glad that you've . .more realised that its wonderful to be black not only in SA but in the whole WORLD .Please dont think that i m rubbing it in, i m just making you aware also reminding you that your states president's name is Mr Jacob Gedlheyihlekisa Zuma and your countrie's ruling party is the AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS! i know loosers makes a louder noise so as DA ,Zille and You !PLEASE TURN PINK OR PALE after reading the article. . .less by MVPKN on May 29 2009, 14:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ all DA supporters White Males must get their power back and Zille is done her part with the cabinet, what else think, think,think? Insult every one on your way. Come on guys stop this childish behavior and grow up. ANC is the only party saying SA is for all, white black . .more pink yellow woman man and I wish I can say the same about DA. . .less by Jan on May 29 2009, 14:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Cruella Dezille Who the hell do you think you are to say Zuma is not fit to govern. A majority of South Africans democratically elected him as their leader. Will you ever be in that position? Remember he is your BAAS!!!! by azap on May 29 2009, 14:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Student So true Student and Viva ANC!! long live ANC! by MVPKN on May 29 2009, 14:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@MVPKN Thankfully, there are many decent members within the ANC (black and white) who are appalled by this disgusting, degrading mud-slinging and will never associate themselves with the moronic statements made by Heidi Holland or by the likes of people like . .more MVPKN. Even more thankfully, their numbers are steadily growing as they come to realise that people who couldn't or wouldn't do their Govt jobs in a proper manner and merely enriched themselves have now been replaced by similar people who can't or won't do their Govt jobs in a proper manner and are only there to enrich themselves. . .less by Reitz on May 29 2009, 15:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ooooh! Worms all around! The ANC rules, and will rule the WC! Mpho -- Hoekom is jy so vreesbevange? Is jy dalk bang word kwaad en dan jy eers afkak. Besef jy dat jou soort vrees kenmerkend is onder mense wat on tiranniese regerings leef? pfp -- Enjoy NZ. Don't use that phrase "Cry the beloved . .more country" anymore. Alan Paton is one of reasons that things that went wrong in SA. Mischa -- Your question to Sad Days would make sense it you first explain the anti-white bias of the ANC. Sad Days -- The DP suffered from the hallucination that SA could become an Oz. They agitated for a unilingual English SA, killing all other languages and peoples in a melting pot, and bringing Milner's war on the Boers to a successful conclusion. It always was about Anglo superiority, was it not? Student -- a break-down in societal mores is a known phenomenon in societies under stress. If there is no tomorrow, then why bother with honest and upright behaviour? You should read up on this, human psychology remains hugely interesting, also in SA, and in the ANC. I suggest that Dian Fossey's study of primate psychology is a good start: Alpha Males. Beta Males, and what occurs when a reversal takes place, that sort of thing. The ANC is offended by Zille's cabinet because she appointed what to them are white beta males, into alpha male positions. Fascinating. Tuscanite -- Fay Stender, Heidi Holland . .less by JVR on May 29 2009, 15:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@MVPKN Are you for real? ! - No really ?- Unless you suffer from a health related medical condition-e.g- 'FITH'-syndromme,-( phucked in the head syndr,), you must then have less education than some of your leaders. Seriously,-you cannot string one sentence . .more together without a multitude of spelling mistakes and your gammar...err.well..I mean -a child in kindergarten could do better. I hope your postings arent read by too many people in civilized European countries, or they might get the impression that we're all a bunch of monkeys here. . .less by Voortrekker on May 29 2009, 15:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zuma@azap is not fit to govern. I said it, and who the hell gives YOU the right to say I have no right to say what I think? I don't care how many people voted for the ANC and the person they appionted as their president. In SA politics voting, for now, is on racial . .more lines. No matter what oaf the ANC elected as president (Mantashe, Vavi, Julius Malema, Chickenshit, whatever) he/she would have become president. My opinion is the ANC was voted in regardless of Zuma, so it's dishonest to say the voters "voted for Zuma"; they voted for the ANC who had elected Zuma as their president. What if there was a general election for president with Zuma against Motlanthe? I doubt Zuma would get 25% of the vote. It has been shown that the ANC has become untrustworthy in the matter of choosing the president of the country. Maybe it's time the president should be voted for directly by the electorate. . .less by mpho on May 29 2009, 16:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I am not fond of the way most blacks live does this make me a racist? Of course not. No doubt many blacks do not like the way coloureds live either. Lions do not live with tigers either. by Heidi the Racist on May 29 2009, 16:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Gotta LOVE Moneyweb for providing this rich vein of entertainment - the rainbow nation alternately loving and hating each other - very human, very normal. by Gee Whiz on May 29 2009, 18:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

For Mischa - Zille questioned by Chris Barron in the Sunday Times Just noticed your question about Zilles's male cabinet. She is grilled by Chris Barron in his Sunday Times column 2 weeks back - she clearly explains the situation for any person with an iota of common sense. http://tinyurl.com/mszsf5 by Sad Days on May 29 2009, 19:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Student Whatever you're studying, I assume you're either failing or really tired from studying, because you miss the point completely... I don't believe anyone brought up a relationship between race and HIV prevalence or promiscuity (must be something you're . .more studying, right?). Zille speaks of gender oppression and nowhere does she mention race. She speaks of men's sense of entitlement to sex with multiple partners heedless of the risk, points out the incongruity of such behaviour with the ANC's commitment to gender equality, and points out that this attitude is embodied in Zuma's behaviour (which he admitted to). "what dose HIV, safe sex and showering have to do with a rape trial. NOTHING!"... Quite right, it has no bearing on whether a rape occurred or not (and please note that nobody is still accusing Zuma of rape), but it DOES shed some very clear, bright, unflattering light on the nature of the man who is our president, and this dear Student is the point. This is what Helen Zille is highlighting - reminding us all the time who our president really is. Thank you, Helen. Keep it up. Nil Illegitimi Carborundum . .less by M on May 29 2009, 19:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@azap I also say Zuma is not fit to govern. I have every right to do so. Just as you have every right to say that he is a wonderful guy and will do a brilliant job. I just happen not to believe you, but you're free to keep trying to convince me. By . .more the way, Zuma is not my "BAAS" (pay attention now, this bit is important). He is the leader of the government, which is tasked with administering my country to the best of their abilities. It is important to remember that the government does not RULE, it GOVERNS according to the principles laid down in the Constitution and in law. We are subject to the rule of constitutional law, as is the government. . .less by M on May 29 2009, 19:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

HH vs HZ Heidi - wake up lassie . Your false propping up of the likes of Bob McApe , President Zuma , the ANC ad nauseam is short sighted . In fact it's akin to feeding bread crumbs to crocs in a croc infested river , hoping to be eaten last . HZ was . .more simply stating fact - if JZ or I were to poke an HIV lady unprotected , there is a particularly good chance that all the chicks I poke after the HIV lady , stand a better than even chance of contracting the virus . No scientific evidence to the contrary exists . Under the circumstances HZ was just saying what JZ ought to hear , not perhaps what he wanted to hear . Tough tit . Deal with it . . .less by Green Room on May 29 2009, 20:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@M A few things. Hellen Zille knows nothing about the private life of Jacob Zuma. She is just guessing. Talk of gender oppression and a male sense of self entitlement are just gross generalisations about males and your argument hinges somewhat on a popular . .more racial steriotype. Fact is Hellen Zille just dose not know Jacob Zuma and is unqualified to make baseless judgements. She can not remind us of anything we don't know about. She has created a fiction and presented it as a fact. Perhaps she read it all in the bottom of a tea cup. . .less by Student on May 29 2009, 21:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JVR Waar vandaan kry jy die indruk dat ek "veeesbevange" is? Ek is nie vreesbevange nie; ek's net gatvol omdat jy alewig en tot vervelens toe op dieselfde ou simpel snaar bly tokkel, tw dat die linkses en veral die Black Sash die Boere ondergeploeg het. Dan . .more kom daar verder van jou kant af altyd 'n verdere klomp snert in dieselfde trant van hoe 'n groot fout hierdie onderploegery van die Boere was. Dit is jou goeie reg om so voort te gaan, maar ek kan jou verseker jy maak net 'n gek van jouself. . .less by mpho on May 29 2009, 21:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidi We could feel sorry for you . The ANC woman in power are controled by the puppet master , they are just tokens .If they had any real power do you think the violence against woman would be so high . Do woman and children in South Africa have . .more any real respect ? Carefull the snake that turns and bites , ask Hellen . . .less by peterbeth on May 29 2009, 22:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

student Dear Student When your studies are finally over and you have graduated from primary school you should have learned that generalisations such as "Trying to stigmatise the Black community as having worse sexual behaviour than whites is just one big . .more lie. Unprotected sex is part of the human condition and has no racial bias whatsoever. " are what Shakespear ( a black Englishman) called protesting too much" If you must generalise - a dangerous practice - try to do so in a way that makes a good point for your argument and does not undermine it. Now go and practise logic and grammar. . .less by john kalala on May 29 2009, 23:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Onderploegery van Boere OOOhhhh! Mpho, my F*** Kom ek stel dit so: As die geskiedenisboeke uiteindelik oor die verdwyning van Boere geskryf word, sal die Black Sash en hulle bondgenote (Trevor Huddleston, Joe Slovo, die Anglikaanse Kerk, en dies meer), baie meer . .more spasie as net 'n voetnota kry. Nouja, daar is ook verengelsing van skole en moorde en emigrasie wat negatief op demografie werk, maar dit is die gevolge, eerder as die oorsake, van die politieke aksies van die bogenoemde. Kruip maar lekker!! . .less by JVR on May 29 2009, 23:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Student Back to race are we? I must have missed that part where Zille referred to race - please quote it for me. Thanks. Ok, back to where you say "Hellen Zille knows nothing about the private life of Jacob Zuma. She is just guessing"... Actually, the . .more bits of Jacob Zuma's private life to which Zille refers are in fact public record, stated in a court of law, and which Zuma actually conceded are true. Namely that he had unprotected extramarital sex with a woman he knew to be HIV positive. From these facts she extrapolates (correctly) that by exposing himself to HIV, he then exposed his wives to the same. This clearly and unequivocally shows a lack of respect to the women with whom he is involved. . .less by M on May 30 2009, 07:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Student By the way, ignore that John Kalala remark about your grammar, it's pretty good (just watch your typing - "dose" instead of "does" twice now). And your logic is not bad either, you're just skipping a couple of empirical steps because you've got this . .more racial stereotyping thing stuck in your head, and leaping to a conclusion. But I suspect you know this already :-) . .less by M on May 30 2009, 07:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JVR Kruip? Wat's dit? Seker iets wat na die Engelse oorlog (wat hulle die Boere oorlog noem) ingetree het. Vandag (skat ek) steun meer as 90% van Afrikaners die DA eerder as die VV , en ons kruip beslis nie! kyk maar vir Helen Zille, en voor haar Tony Leon. . .more As hulle, eerder as de Klerk, aan bewind was voor 1994 het ons nie nou met so 'n gemors van 'n verkiesingsmilieu en 'n gemors van 'n onduidelike grondwet t.o.v. "regstellende" aksie gesit nie. As jy die vinger vir onderploeging wil rig, rig dit aan de Klerk en Kie wat nie teen nie bedingingsvernuf van die ANC en SACP opgewasse was nie. By nabetragting het Ramaphosa te kenne gegee dat hulle verbaas was dat die Nattes so maklik gevou het. Hulle was vreesbevange en oorhaastig om te skik. En kyk wat het met die nageboorte van die "nuwe" bedeling gebeur...die NNP van ou Kortbroek, heelhuids deur die ANC ingesluk, en Kortbroek bly nog steeds Minister; en watter ander stoere Afrikaner is nou ANC minister? Die VV baas self. Wie't ons ondergeploeg??? Die BLACK SASH en die linkses....snert!!! . .less by mpho on May 30 2009, 08:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hellen vs Heidi Wat de hel maak dit saak hoeveel vrouens of mans in beheer van wat is? Wat maak dit verder saak wat die F*** die kleur van jou vel is? Solank jy besef dat jy verkies is om ALMAL se belange te verteenwoordig is die saak reg. Hoe de F*** maak jou geslag of . .more velkleur jou nou meer of minder bevoeg vir die jop? Hierdie k*k van oor-en-weer beskuldigings en verdeeldheid op grond van velkleur en geslag is net so primitief soos die godsdiensoorloe van die Middeleeue. Go figure all you dipshits for whom the shoe fits. . .less by Komo on May 30 2009, 10:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heidi vs Helen Wat die F*** maak jou geslag of die kleur van jou vel saak in jou vermoe om die jop te doen? Solank jy in die belang van ALMAL in jou afdeling regeer en bestuur is die saak reg. Hierdie oor en weer rassistiese en seksistiese beskuldigings oor . .more snert is net so primitief en agterlik soos die godsdiensoorloe van die Middeleeue. Go figure all you dipshits for whom the shoe fits. . .less by Komo on May 30 2009, 10:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Komo Die vuiltaal uitgesonderd, HOOR, HOOR!!. Mens het nie F en K woorde nodig om 'n punt te maak nie. by mpho on May 30 2009, 11:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Promising Promising, very promising. There's a new optimism, and we needed it badly. Thanks Helen. by sirjay jonson on May 30 2009, 20:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dictating the Relationship I can only expect negative criticisim, if my actions are so. JZ dictated the relationship he now has with the citizens of the RSA. His behaviour has led to the many questions around his morals. If a company is being investigated by the competions . .more commision or any other legal entity, it is made public. Suppliers, shareholders, customers and others are then given an opportunity to decide for themselves as to whether they want to be associated with that company and its directors or not. Here we are talking about the fate of /- 45mil people who are facing daily death sentances of HIV and Murder in the sanctuary of their own country and homes. Ms Holland it is time to defend those who need defending and not your job. You as a journalist undertook to report the facts. So do it. So far Ms Zille has not said anything but the facts. . .less by Adrian Griffiths on June 01 2009, 05:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

race hellen you are doing a good job by reviving our race and it proves that we will get back by trish on June 01 2009, 15:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Crawling, no, I meant crawling with fear! mpho -I am sorry about the delay in responding. Since you are a committed DA supported, I will have to speak to you in the DA preferred language, which is English. In this way I am perpetuating the best of Afrikaner manners. About crawling? . .more No, I was really meaning Fear (as in crawling in face of fear). Some ANC high official these days would just say "Boo!", and you would only see Boers dive for cover, tails up in the air. They hide everywhere, behind Zille's skirts, in the back-benches of the DA where they sit namelessly in silence. They only react, as you have been, when somewhere from elsewhere, a non-tame Boer speaks up. Then they suddenly get on their back legs to dress down their own for daring to speak up. And they do this in fear, lest the rulers become mad and then all of us will suffer the consequences. The viciousness of the attacks on outspoken Boers from the brigades of DA supporters and "verligte" Afrikaners overshadows whatever criticism these Verligtes may have for the ANC. In fact, the praise that Verligtes has for Zille (our Black Sash lady) and the ANC (whom she helped into power) has intensity equal to their attacks on Boers who are outspoken in their insistence that we have a right to a measure of self-determination. . .less by JVR on June 01 2009, 15:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The true nature of SAcan history: 1806-1994. Now the true nature SAcan history, 1806-1994. The defining issues in SAcan history over the last 200 years: (1) the Mfecane, (2) the Anglo assaults on the Boers. I will only write about (2): When SAcan history is recorded . .more dispassionately in (say) 300 years time, the period 1806-1994 will be described as a prolonged Anglo-Boer War. The defining characteristic of this war is the continual transferral of assets from Boers to Anglos: land, language, natural resources, schools, etc. The War started virtually immediately with Anglo take-over of the Cape: Annexation of Afrikaans schools (forcing English medium) was in full swing under Somerset already, and continued in the Cape Colony until as late as the 1920s. Here is Somerset's words: ""the expediency of having all the schools in the colony conducted by English masters", en his goal is to Anglicise Afrikaans kids. The Boer War was fought over the Gold and Diamond resources, and thereafter, that wealth was sucked to Britain. I do not have to remind you that 20% of Boer women were raped in the War, but also that 34% of children in concentration camps died (what was the death rate under Jewish children in German camps?). A brief peace was engineered by Smuts, but the war started again the in 1950s - this time with the ANC as the English ally. They won . .less by JVR on June 01 2009, 16:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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