Zille Featured as a Recent Guest on The Motherhood Network.
Helen Zille recently shared her insights on motherhood, the journey of raising her two sons, becoming a grandmother, and the family dynamics that have influenced her leadership style.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate for mayor in Johannesburg discussed her thoughts during an interview with broadcaster Nandi Madida on The Motherhood Network.
The talk delved into Zille’s life beyond her political career, encompassing her upbringing, her bond with her younger sister, and the challenges of parenthood.
Zille addressed her sister’s hearing impairment and how it shaped her insights into empathy.
“Deafness is a very, very difficult disability because it cuts you off from people. And I’ve seen my sister cut out in a lot of situations and it stresses me out no end,” she said.
She clarified that her sister depends on lip-reading for communication.
“She lip reads perfectly. And as long as she can see your face, she’ll hear what you’re saying,” Zille said.
“But when people turn away or don’t look at her or put their hands in front of their mouths, I get very upset about it.”
When asked by Madida whether this experience impacted her leadership style, Zille replied: “I hope I’m an empathetic leader.”
She acknowledged creating a perception of being strong but mentioned that her decisions stem from the causes she is passionate about.
“The truth is, I’m not. I care about things and I do things because I care about things,” she said.
Helen Zille Discusses Parenthood and Accountability
The dialogue also highlighted the duties associated with raising children and the significant role parents play in shaping their futures.
Zille stated that being a parent is one of the most vital responsibilities a person can assume.
“Being a parent is the most responsible job you will ever have in your life. The most responsible job you will ever have in your life. And it’s not to be taken lightly,” she said.
She also expressed strong criticism towards fathers who abandon their offspring.
“I get incensed when men make babies and walk away from them. That is the thing that angers me most in South Africa. And if I could pass one law, if I was president for the day and I could pass one law of my choosing, it would be to deal with those men.
“So if you make a baby, it’s your responsibility. You don’t walk away from the girl who’s carried your child. And therefore, have safe sex. Don’t impregnate teenagers.”
Zille contended that children require support from their parents, while also emphasizing that the government has a role in providing access to essential services and opportunities.
Using the metaphor of a ladder, she stated that the government should offer the opportunities children need to advance, while parents should assist them in staying on track.
“The parents have to be role models for their children. They have to hold that ladder firm. The parents can’t fall off the ladder,” she said.
She further emphasized the importance of parental involvement in their children’s lives and leading by example.
“They can’t be on alcohol and drugs. They can’t say to kids, do what you like. They can’t say, I’m not looking. I don’t care what you’re doing at school or anything,” she said.
Zille identified access to healthcare, early childhood development, education, and financial support for students as vital contributions the government should make.
“Firstly, you must be born in a safe space so that you don’t get brain damage. You must get all your vaccinations,” she said.
She also mentioned subsidized preschool, quality primary and secondary education, clinics, and financial aid for students as critical measures to assist children in their growth.
Political Path
Zille also touched upon her passion for politics, which emerged at a young age.
She noted her desire to cultivate a political landscape that fosters democracy, a free society, economic development, and the rule of law.
“All I knew that I wanted to get involved in politics to ensure that the political framework was conducive to democracy, to a free society, to economic growth, to the rule of law, all of those things. And I knew that from very young,” she said.
She reminisced about collaborating with former Progressive Party MP Helen Suzman when she was the only public representative from the party in Parliament.
“We only had one public representative in the whole country. So we could never aspire to be public representatives, of course, because there was only one. And so we just worked for her and tried to grow the pool,” she said.
Zille mentioned a significant breakthrough for the party in 1974 when six members were elected to Parliament.
“We got six people elected, which was a huge breakthrough. And now we’ve got hundreds and hundreds of public representatives,” she said.
Since then, Zille has held several significant positions, including serving as mayor of Cape Town, premier of the Western Cape, leader of the DA, and chairperson of the party’s federal council.
