Otta Helene Maree – popularly known as Helen Zille – is known for her tough-as-nails persona in the Democratic Alliance (DA). Surprisingly, she’s not the only one who wears the pants in her household.
In addition to being a cutthroat politician, Helen is a loving and supportive mother, wife, and grandmother.
Helen became a trending topic on social media this week when she challenged ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula’s knowledge of the Government of National Unity (Unity) agreement.
HELEN ZILLE: MEET HER HUSBAND, KIDS AND FAMILY
While Helen Zille’s political persona is public knowledge, there is also another side to the sassy 73-year-old.
Helen is married to retired professor Johann Maree, who has a PhD in sociology from the University of Cape Town. The couple married in 1982.
“A strong marriage is life’s greatest blessing,” Helen tweeted of her husband in 2017.
In 2011, Helen tweeted: “A marriage is for better, for worse. Not just for the good times.”
The couple have two sons together; Paul and Thomas.
Paul, who married Gretl Visser in 2014 – is a mathematics teacher and founder of Paper Video, an organisation that distributes educational resources to students around the country.
He’s also a member of Beams, a music band that has played at several of Cape Town’s hot spots.
Thomas is a digital marketing manager and has worked for Showmax and CNBC Africa. He bears a striking resemblance to his mother.
Helen Zille is also a grandmother to Mila, the daughter of Paul and Gretl.
“She is delightful,” Helen tweeted in 2017.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DA FEDERAL CHAIR
Here are a few interesting facts about DA Federal Chair, Helen Zille.
Helen was born in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. She is the eldest child of parents who escaped Germany to avoid Nazi persecution over their Jewish roots.
Apart from going head-to-head with politicians and starting X spats, Helen loves aking and knitting.
Helen received death threats for her investigative work as a political journalist at the now-defunct Rand Daily Mail newspaper.
In 2008, Helen won the World Mayor Award for governing the City of Cape Town.
Helen Zille is fluent in English, Afrikaans, German, and isiXhosa. Her Xhosa name is “Nontsapho,” which means “mother of the family.”
