Well, Helen Zille, you wanted power. You wanted to challenge the ANC, to show that there is a better way, and that the Democratic Alliance could pave that way forward in South African politics. By gaining control of the Western Cape (and strengthening your slot as the official opposition to the ANC) you got what you asked for.
Of course the Chinese have a curse related to getting what one asks for. And if the early days of DA control of the Western Cape are any indication, Ms. Zille, you should consider yourself cursed. Possibly the least of your worries is drawing fire from the ANC. That was to be expected. Although perhaps the intensity of those accusations so early comes as a bit of a surprise. But there has just been so much drama so early on, with accusations and counterallegations of everything from sexism to spying.
And as a sign of this modern age, some of the most ruthless mud slinging comes from a Facebook page. “Helen Zille – Is Still a White Racist Adulterer” is devoted to, well, I suppose the title is self descriptive of the themes contained therein.
To her credit, Zille recognizes that “This game is not for sissies, you have to be prepared to take knocks.” Still, one has to assume that she was in no way prepared for the intensity of the storm that rolled into Cape Town so quickly.
