Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille has spoken out about the controversy surrounding her tweet that referred to learners originally from the Eastern Cape as “education refugees”.
According to Zille, the Twitter storm is clouding the real issue at hand and has been blown out of proportion. In her most recent newsletter, Zille says: “Nobody could have predicted the storm that would be unleashed by my description on Twitter of those families that seek a better future for their children outside the Eastern Cape as 'education refugees'. I certainly could never have imagined the furore that erupted.”
The tweet in question stated: “While ECape education collapsed, WC built 30 schools - 22 new, 8 replacement mainly 4 ECape edu refugees. 26 MORE new schools coming” (sic).
Zille argues the context of her tweet needs to be understood. “As a result of protests at an overcrowded Grabouw school (where 600 additional learners arrived unexpectedly during the course of the first term), I was being hammered by Tweeple for allegedly not doing enough for black learners in the Western Cape. I responded (within the 140-character limit of Twitter).”
“I had no inkling that people would latch onto one word to deflect the debate from the real issues.”
Tweet-in-mouth
While Zille has been widely praised for her innovative use of Twitter as a platform to engage with the electorate, lately she has been ruffling many feathers. As described by Memeburn, Zille's tweets have gone from measured and well thought out, to sometimes rude and arrogant.
Zille's controversial tweets have now even inspired a new cheeky Nando's ad campaign, offering her “a tastier alternative to the foot in your mouth”.
Meanwhile, Zille continues to fluff it. Yesterday, a Twitter user said to Zille: “I just wish you can change to be black. I'm not racist but just wish.” Zille responded: “Well meanwhile I'm using a BlackBerry.” When asked by another user if she was endorsing BlackBerry, Zille said: “I'll endorse anything black (or anything that isn't touch-screen).”
Twitter users then jumped in with comments like: “Ms Zille, I've seen you on TV. You are a considered, thoughtful woman. Your Tweets sound like they're coming from PR dupes.”
“I hope there's a PR team behind that account. I really do. At least someone can be fired,” tweeted another user.
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