There has never been such an inclusive policy process in the Democratic Alliance| Helen Zille

Democratic Alliance Federal council Chairperson Helen Zille has dismissed allegations that the party’s policy conference was a mere exercise to rubber stamp predetermined outcomes.

The DA held an online press briefing on Monday, 7 September 2020, following its two day online policy conference at the weekend.

Several delegates have cried fowl, alleging that they weren’t given an opportunity to comment during the process to adopt certain policies. However the party’s federal council chair maintained that the conference which was held under clause 6.2.6.6 of its constitution, allowed for far greater participation than any other.

“There has never been such an inclusive policy process in the Democratic Alliance,ever, ” said Zille.

The party which has been warding off perceptions of divisions across colour lines has adopted a principle of non- racialism in relation to its Economic Justice policy which sets out its approach to economic redress for the disadvantaged.

The party position to reject race as a way to categorise and treat individuals has been the subject of much debate among its rank and file and the broader public, with some contending that race can not be removed from the broader transformation project.

Zille revealed that all policies that were discussed at the weekend had been infact available on its Policy portal for comment, ahead of the conference.

“Gwen Ngwenya,also in addition to that, went around to every provincial council when she could still travel or alternatively held those discussions virtually with every provincial council in the country,” she added.

Beyond the accusations of racial divisions, the DA has been accused of purging members who were loyal to former party leader Mmusi Maimane. At the weekend it was revealed that several party leaders among them Phumzile Van Damme, were under investigation.  Van Damme has, in response to a Sunday Times report, lashed out at the party for failing to inform her about the ongoing investigation.