WATCH: 'My actions were insensitive' - Zille

"After a period of debate and reflection‚ I recognise the offence caused by my tweet on 16 March 2017 with regard to the legacy of colonialism. I therefore apologise unreservedly to the South African public who were offended by this tweet and my subsequent explanation of it.

In South Africa‚ colonialism and apartheid subjugated and oppressed a majority‚ and benefitted a minority‚ on the basis of race. This is indeed indefensible‚ and I do not support‚ justify‚ praise or promote it.

I realise the wounds of history that my tweet and subsequent defence of it has opened. In particular‚ I recognise that my actions were insensitive to South Africans who suffered under colonial oppression. For this‚ I am genuinely sorry.

During this period I have made public utterances that have had the effect of undermining the Leader of the Democratic Alliance and the project he is leading. I greatly regret this. Mmusi Maimane is the democratically elected Leader of the DA and we must all get behind his leadership.

My intention now is to do everything I can to restore the public trust that has been eroded. Now‚ more than ever‚ we need to unite behind a shared vision of one nation‚ with one future."

- BusinessLIVE