The idiom — thrown to the dogs — has sparked controversy on social media, with some people supporting a petition on Change.org calling for her to be ousted by the party. By Thursday morning 411 people had signed the petition which was started on Wednesday.
Some people said she used a figure of speech to describe the situation while others believed it came with intent.
The petition said her remarks perpetuated racial discrimination.
“Zille’s words were not just hurtful but further exposed the deep-seated racial prejudices still harboured in South Africa’s political landscape,” the petition read.
In response to the backlash, some people on X defended Zille by explaining the idiom “thrown to the dogs”, which refers to a situation deteriorating or becoming worse.
“In English this is called an idiom ‘going to the dogs’. Google it, you will see the meaning of this expression is ‘becoming very much less successful than it was in the past. Deteriorating and making worse or ruined’,” said Joan Tozer.
They argued Zille’s use of the phrase was misinterpreted and not intended as a racial slur.
“This propaganda will work on those with less information and blind loyalists. We see you,” said Thulani Dasa.
The debate continued on social media:
Modiegi Mashamaite
www.timeslive.co.za
