Helen Zille is the newly elected chairperson of the Federal Council, a background position in the Democratic Alliance (DA) that was previously held by James Selfe for almost two decades. Over the last twenty years, he saw the DA grow into the most authentically diverse party in the country. In her new role, Helen will work behind the scenes, just as James did, to see that decisions are turned into implementable practice so that all South Africans can live in freedom in a democracy. Read her answers to some of your burning questions below.
ChangeMaker (CM): What do you say to people that claim the cracks are widening in the DA?
Helen Zille (HZ): They aren’t. We do have significant challenges with respect to understanding who we are, what we are trying to achieve and how to do that. We do have major challenges in translating our values into policy, analysis, communication and action. But I have no doubt we will tackle these things head-on in the year ahead. First things first, though. We must get a new leader in place and he or she must set the course, together with the party leadership.
CM: Moving forward, what are your hopes for the Party?
HZ: That we will be able to provide voters with a genuine, clear-cut alternative to the ANC, by getting right all the things I mentioned in answer to question 1.
CM: What will be your day-to-day role as the newly elected chairperson of the Federal Council?
HZ: At the moment my day-to-day role is far broader than merely being chair of Federal Council because there are so many other vacancies in the party – from the leader to the parliamentary leader, to the chief whip. We need to fill those positions as a priority. Once we have done that my role will be to ensure that the DA’s systems work well, and that the interface between the administration and politicians is smooth and functional.
“One of the projects I really liked was the PAY project: Premier’s Advancement of Youth, through which we offered internships in government to matriculants.” – Chairperson of the Federal Council, Helen Zille
CM: Can you describe a project that you were proud to see through as premier of the Western Cape for two terms?
HZ: There are so many, but they are complex to describe. I think it was essential that we established a capable state and a culture of accountability. Without that it is impossible for democracy to succeed. But at a practical level one of the projects I really liked was the PAY project: Premier’s Advancement of Youth, through which we offered internships in government to matriculants to give them some work experience, and a foothold into further careers or further education. Many lives were changed in this way.
CM: What are the three biggest challenges South Africa is facing at the moment?
HZ: Establishing a capable state, functioning under the rule of law, with a culture of accountability, with policies that attract investment and drive economic growth. South Africans allow their obsession with race to destroy this crucial foundation for a successful democracy. Without this underpinning we cannot address the top priorities: Unemployment, Crime, and Education.
CM: What motivates and sustains you in your vast political career?
HZ: My belief that unless the DA succeeds in offering a crystal-clear alternative to the ANC, that can (over time) become a new government, South Africa’s transition to democracy will fail. I have understood that short-cuts can’t work, if in the process we sacrifice our capacity to offer that alternative. We simply cannot buy into the ANC’s narrative, even if the media do so, as well as most commentators in our society.
CM: What made you get into politics in the first place – be it as an activist, journalist or politician?
HZ: I suppose it was a process. I grew up in a highly politically aware family, joined the Progressive Party youth around 1968, became a journalist in the early 1970s, a political activist in the 1980s and a public representative in the 1990s. I have never been a career politician and always pursued my political engagement apart from my work – until I became a member of the provincial legislature in 1999.
CM: Can you recommend a good book for South Africans to read?
HZ: Well, I’m not sure South Africans will share my taste in books. I have just finished Francis Fukuyama’s book on Identity Politics, which is essential reading to understand where dangerous drivers behind the politics of biological identity and the valorisation of victimhood. I am also keen to read Daron Acemoglu’s new book, The Narrow Corridor, about the enormous difficulties of creating and sustaining pathways to liberal democracy. It is highly relevant to our situation.
CM: Is there anything else you would like to add?
HZ: Two weeks ago I was lazing about loving retirement. How did I get into this?