It has been announced today that DA leader Helen Zille will be standing down from her position on 9 May.
Helen made the announcement at a press briefing at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Although she will remain premier of the Western Cape until 2019, the 8-year strong leader of the DA has decided to call it a day and let fresh blood in the DA come to the helm.
The leader, held in high regard by many citizens of the Western Cape, will not be available for re-election in May for the party’s federal congress election.
Mmusi Maimane, anyone?
Read the official statement mentioned in the tweet below:
Read the full #HelenZille announcement here: http://t.co/calX6d80vI @helenzille
— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) April 12, 2015
Our country is in debt to @helenzille. She has served honourably, no-one could ever accuse her of improper benefit from public money.
— Jack Bloom (@JackBloomDA) April 12, 2015
Photography Daily Maverick
Go for president
So sad.
No BACK BONE,,,politicians????only the GOOD GOD can help our people,,,,,thats my prayer for our nation,,,Amen
Thank you for trying so hard – the best of luckU0001f31f
Troy Ashton Futter
A huge gap to fill. She will be missed!
Terribly sad.
Its hard work and tiring. Well done for all your effort Helen Zille
One can hardly blame her. Very sorry about that.
A great leader knows when to hand over the reigns! Well done Helen we will miss your leadership!
You have been amazing & dedicated thank you Helen
Let’s hope that her successor is as passionate and committed as she has been.
An icon and a role model for South Africa…I salute you
Sad sad day! What a inspirational woman, on every level, mother, leader & wife!
Why!
YOU HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL LEADER – I would recommend a breather from this furnace of anarchy – you deserve it!
Sad to see her go
Very sad news indeed ! She has done so much !
A fantastic lady with a strong principled work ethic. Good to see her make way for fresh blood, the true mark of a leader.
Our own Iron Lady!! Sad to see her go
This is how leaders are supposed to behave …..timing is everything and she has my absolute admiration.
Agreed!
Curtley Fielies. Its legitU0001f628
Dame Zille, classy as ever! Handing over the reigns to capable leaders. The DA machine will prevail.
You are right, …. Only God can help our country, but she was the best instrument God could use to help our nation.
Well the good always go early. Well done hellen
Sad day for the party – you’ll be missed for sure.
Why oh why,we need an iron lady
Only in 2019…
Great respect for this amazing woman
Wow,nw politic wil lack va va voom,she knows politic better dan malema
Chances of a women to be president in SA hve droped down,she ws de closest 1
Thank you for being a strong dedicated, effective and efficient leader. Blessings for you and your way ahead.
A very SAD day. Thank you for all you have done & all the incredible seeds you have planted in the name of Democracy.
Farewell Auntie Helen, you were a great leader
A good move! She did her bit admirably, but now they need a young, charismatic (preferably non-whte) leader! Historically, the electorate is not ready for a party lead by a white!
U are one in a million Helen never stop being the beautiful you best of luck to you and family
etol kom kaap toe.
Sjoe wat n terleurstelling sy is n vrou wat geweet het wat sy wil he en nie n bang haar op haar kop gehad ni, ek saluut U Helen Ziller jy is Suid-Afrika se eie Yster Vrou
You will be missed and I hope that there is someone even vaguely as capable as you.
Oh Noooo!
Love that woman, she is a South African hero!
Smart politics
Thank you Mrs Zille for your undying devotion to the betterment of this country. I hope that someone equally passionate will step into your place and here’s hoping for Mr Mmusi Maimane!
Truly inspirational leader. Thank you for your commitment, Helen! You are leaving a great legacy behind xx
What a lady !!!