De Lille: Politics not for 'sissies'
Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille says struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela taught her valuable lessons on the art of politics.
De Lille was speaking at a memorial service for Madikizela-Mandela, hosted by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Brandfort on Wednesday.
She said she learnt a lot from Mam’ Winnie when she was still alive.
"You know what I learned from Mama Winnie? That politics are not for sissies, politics are not for sissies.
"That when you are in politics, there are no rules for men, no rules form women. There is just the rules and she played by the rules. She played the game better than most of them,” De Lille told the crowd. "She wasn't the kind of politician that when you hit her on the one cheek, she did not give you the other cheek. She klapped you back.”
In reaction, the DA said it is "somewhat surprised" but not disappointed that De Lille gave a speech at the EFF's memorial.
The DA's James Selfe said De Lille failed to let the party know in advance that she'll be attending.
"We were not notified of this in advance and although there is nothing terribly wrong about that, and even more particularly given the personality being honoured, the normal protocol is that senior leaders of the party are expected to clear this ahead of time."
The DA is involved in a spat with De Lille, whom it is accusing of bringing the party into disrepute.
She is currently facing two disciplinary hearings but it's not clear when they're meant to resume.
The DA also adopted a recall clause also known as the "Patricia clause" during its congress at the weekend.
The clause allows the party to remove an office bearer who has lost the confidence of a caucus. The clause will however not be applied retrospectively.