Helen Zille’s Gaza remarks spark backlash even as DA touts her as ‘Joburg’s last hope’

Helen Zille

Cape Town – Democratic Alliance federal chair Helen Zille has come under intense criticism for her response when asked whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, even as some political figures assert she remains Johannesburg’s best shot at fixing the city.

In a Newzroom Afrika interview, Zille said, “Genocide is a very big word. I haven’t been to Gaza, and I don’t know.” She added, “But I certainly do know that Hamas has spent all its energy trying to obliterate the state of Israel.”

Her comments prompted backlash from several opposition parties.

As reported by IOL, Mabine Seabe of Rise Mzansi said, “Anyone with eyes, ears and a heart for humanity acknowledges that a genocide is being committed.” The EFF, via Nqobile Mhlongo, accused Zille and the DA of siding with Israel at the expense of Palestinians, and of failing to recognise the asymmetry of the conflict.

The ANC also condemned her remarks, demanding that the DA clarify its position. In particular, they referenced a UN-commissioned inquiry chaired by Navi Pillay, which concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet legal definitions of genocide under international law.

According to The Citizen, despite the backlash over foreign policy, Zille has received support focused on her municipal governance record. Former Wits University vice-chancellor Adam Habib called her “Joburg’s last hope,” saying that although her stance on the Gaza question is “hypocritical,” what matters more to many voters is her ability to address electricity, water, infrastructure, billing, and corruption in Johannesburg.

South Africa’s government, meanwhile, has affirmed the findings of the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry. In a statement, the government said that the Commission concluded the State of Israel bears responsibility for committing genocide in Gaza.

Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela said that Zille’s remarks are consistent with what he perceives as the DA’s alignment with Israel, and that recent events like DA and allied organisations visiting the US, flights from Israel landing in Cape Town, and calls for a “Cape of Good Hope” independence could fortify her appeal among some voters in Johannesburg, reported IOL.

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