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Not Without a Fight: The Autobiography
Helen Zille’s long-awaited autobiography is one of the most fascinating political stories of our time.
Zille takes the reader back to her humble family origins, her struggle with anorexia as a young woman, her early career as a journalist for the Rand Daily Mail, and her involvement with the End Conscription Campaign and the Black Sash. She documents her early days in the Democratic Party and the Democratic Alliance, at a time when the party was locked in a no-holds-barred factional conflict. And she chronicles the intense political battles to become mayor of Cape Town, leader of the DA and premier of the Western Cape, in the face of dirty tricks from the ANC and infighting within her own party.
This is a story about political intrigue and treachery, floor-crossing and unlikely coalitions, phone tapping and intimidation, false criminal charges and judicial commissions. It documents Zille’s courageous fight against corruption and state capture and her efforts to realign politics and entrench accountability. And it describes a mother’s battle to raise children in the pressured world of South African politics.
This book is as frank, honest and unflinching as Helen Zille herself, and will appeal to anyone interested in the story of South African politics over the past fifty years.
Zille takes the reader back to her humble family origins, her struggle with anorexia as a young woman, her early career as a journalist for the Rand Daily Mail, and her involvement with the End Conscription Campaign and the Black Sash. She documents her early days in the Democratic Party and the Democratic Alliance, at a time when the party was locked in a no-holds-barred factional conflict. And she chronicles the intense political battles to become mayor of Cape Town, leader of the DA and premier of the Western Cape, in the face of dirty tricks from the ANC and infighting within her own party.
This is a story about political intrigue and treachery, floor-crossing and unlikely coalitions, phone tapping and intimidation, false criminal charges and judicial commissions. It documents Zille’s courageous fight against corruption and state capture and her efforts to realign politics and entrench accountability. And it describes a mother’s battle to raise children in the pressured world of South African politics.
This book is as frank, honest and unflinching as Helen Zille herself, and will appeal to anyone interested in the story of South African politics over the past fifty years.
544 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 17, 2016
A beautifully well written book that as not only a South African and a woman makes me proud to read. It was well beyond my expectations I admire Helen Zille for not only her honesty about her past but also for what really goes on inside her own party and politics as a whole. I highly recommend this book
December 6, 2016
Every South African should know how much Hellen Zille has done for this country. I am inspired by her 'never give up' attitude and energy. The book at times goes into a lot of detail, but on the whole glad I read it.
February 7, 2017
Very interesting, informative and honest, but a little too dense/technical for me. Need quite a lot of background knowledge of the South African political system and history to fully enjoy.
May 9, 2022
This is the story of an extraordinarily dedicated woman who becomes a major player in the post-apartheid political world in South Africa. It's long book - but the subject cannot be dealt with in a cursory manner! - and will mainly appeal to those with an interest in politics, and the emergence of democracy in South Africa. The challenges are immense, but Zille meets them head-on and is not afraid to acknowledge mistakes. It is a fascinating insight into the growing pains of a fledgling democracy within a divided society. But if people like Zille had not been prepared to roll up their sleeves and get involved, the country would have been all the poorer. Brava, Helen!
December 8, 2017
I was a bit averse about getting down reading this book especially after the debacle about her tweet re colonialism. It turned out to be a very readable book. The main thing about Helen Zille is that she has been unwavering in her fight for human rights.
March 12, 2020
Required reading for all students of South African politics. A woman with an iron will who made a profound contribution to building a democratic opposition to an increasingly undemocratic ANC.
March 28, 2017
Didn't think I would be gripped by political memoir, but I was
February 3, 2017
I am not one that is into non-fiction books or biographies of any kind, so when I got this book as a present from someone who knew I am a fan of Helen Zille, I was not really impressed. And when I picked up the book with the intention to read one chapter at a time, inbetween reading other books, I was totally prepared to be bored.
Well, I couldn't stop reading. Her story just fascinated me from the first chapter. She has an honest and open way of writing, even about the mistakes she made, that made me admire her even more.
I knew politics are a dirty business, I just never realised how dirty. The fact that Zille built the DA to what it is today, is nothing short of a miracle. So many things go on behind the scenes that the man in the street knows nothing about. Sometimes it was more like a mafia story than an autobiography. And what is the most scary, is that it is all true.
I never knew much about Helen's husband and in the book one gets to know much more about the man behind the woman. He is a remarkable man, to support her all these years. And it was for sure not always easy for him.
In the book she writes about her Jewish family, of which many died in concentration camps during World War 2. That explains a lot about how she was raised and to always strive for fairness and equality for all people. I quote her "I had grown up imbibing the values of freedom, fairness and opportunity with my mother's milk."
She helped a lot of anti-apartheid activists during the struggle. The ANC has never really given her recognition for any of this. They don't like her, because she has never taken a bribe and never stopped striving to build an all inclusive non-racial country, sometimes at great costs to her personal life.
But she never bore grudges. Like she said: "I don't have enough space on my emotional hard drive to store grudges or hard feelings." The task at hand, to make South Africa a better place, was her life's work. For her, people are not defined by creed, dogma or ethnic origin, but by kindred spirits and shared values.
The way she wrote about her mother and her last days, touched me deeply. During all her responsibilities, she always took time to write letters to her mother. Behind the facade of a woman of steel, is a woman that loves her family deeply.
In her own words; "If the purpose of life is to find a maningful purpose, I had found mine." Building a party that overcome historical barriers of race, ethnicity, culture and prejudice to bring together a new majority based on values, principles and policies.
Like her namesake, Helen Suzman, Zille is brave, she is tenacious and she is magnificent. She will not give up on South Africa. Not without a fight.
Well, I couldn't stop reading. Her story just fascinated me from the first chapter. She has an honest and open way of writing, even about the mistakes she made, that made me admire her even more.
I knew politics are a dirty business, I just never realised how dirty. The fact that Zille built the DA to what it is today, is nothing short of a miracle. So many things go on behind the scenes that the man in the street knows nothing about. Sometimes it was more like a mafia story than an autobiography. And what is the most scary, is that it is all true.
I never knew much about Helen's husband and in the book one gets to know much more about the man behind the woman. He is a remarkable man, to support her all these years. And it was for sure not always easy for him.
In the book she writes about her Jewish family, of which many died in concentration camps during World War 2. That explains a lot about how she was raised and to always strive for fairness and equality for all people. I quote her "I had grown up imbibing the values of freedom, fairness and opportunity with my mother's milk."
She helped a lot of anti-apartheid activists during the struggle. The ANC has never really given her recognition for any of this. They don't like her, because she has never taken a bribe and never stopped striving to build an all inclusive non-racial country, sometimes at great costs to her personal life.
But she never bore grudges. Like she said: "I don't have enough space on my emotional hard drive to store grudges or hard feelings." The task at hand, to make South Africa a better place, was her life's work. For her, people are not defined by creed, dogma or ethnic origin, but by kindred spirits and shared values.
The way she wrote about her mother and her last days, touched me deeply. During all her responsibilities, she always took time to write letters to her mother. Behind the facade of a woman of steel, is a woman that loves her family deeply.
In her own words; "If the purpose of life is to find a maningful purpose, I had found mine." Building a party that overcome historical barriers of race, ethnicity, culture and prejudice to bring together a new majority based on values, principles and policies.
Like her namesake, Helen Suzman, Zille is brave, she is tenacious and she is magnificent. She will not give up on South Africa. Not without a fight.
January 12, 2017
Immensely readable, insightful page-turner. Never thought I'd use those words to comment on a political autobiography!
I found myself reading into the wee hours every night, and it became something of a ritual where each morning upon waking up, I'd discuss the many agonising revelations with my wife over a coffee and cigarette.
Helen Zille conveys her thoughts in a way that comes across intensely sincere. She readily admits the mistakes she has made, and the impossible choices she's faced.
Completely changed the way I perceive the political going-on's and media slants and biases.
I found myself reading into the wee hours every night, and it became something of a ritual where each morning upon waking up, I'd discuss the many agonising revelations with my wife over a coffee and cigarette.
Helen Zille conveys her thoughts in a way that comes across intensely sincere. She readily admits the mistakes she has made, and the impossible choices she's faced.
Completely changed the way I perceive the political going-on's and media slants and biases.
January 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this bio. It delves into the world of local and national politics in South Africa, giving the reader an idea of what the DA is up against. It is balanced with some personal and intimate details of Ms Zille. Everyone in SA should read this book.
November 2, 2016
Absolutely riveting read. Felled it in under 48 hours.
May 26, 2018
Had I had Helen Zille's intense determination, energy, pragmatism and self-belief I wonder what I too might have achieved. She has my unreserved admiration now that I've read her autobiography. It is meticulous in its detail - how could she possibly have found the time to record, then refer back to - much less recall! - the phone calls, meetings, who said what and when - and then synthesise all the minutiae of her political career into this book. It's astounding. I was sometimes bogged down by this detail, especially the names and roles of her numerous political associates - two notable exceptions being the controversial Ramphele Mamphele and Lindiwe Mazibuko, both of whom gave her a royal run-around. A pleasant surprise: her early years followed some paths, schools and institutions familiar to mine (including one path I regret not choosing). She admits to many gambles and 'plane crashes' but her mission to move SA toward a truly non-racial society drives every choice. The chapter 'The Problem with Race Politics' must surely be the most level-headed analysis we have yet of the #Must Fall campaigns. Wry humour and a no-nonsense writing style are further strengths of this book. For now, Helen Z's greatest legacy will remain the growth and gains of the DA; I am keen to see how she handles the party's current identity crisis.
July 6, 2025
The sheer size of the book was a bit daunting, but the inevitable detail proved absolutely fascinating. From the riveting account of the author's background and family history to the dirty tricks of politicians determined to get into or stay in power, this is a memoir that should be read by all South African citizens. Even though I have lived in Cape Town since 1996 and regard myself as reasonably politically aware, nothing could have prepared me for the revelations of what really went on in the fight for control of the Western Cape political machine. What emerges is a brutally honest account of the machinations, the mistakes and the eventual triumph of principled governance, which we enjoy with the Democratic Alliance-led government today, where people matter. I hope very much that Helen Zille, our own 'Iron Lady', will write the sequel to bring us up to date since the book was published in 2016. I am filled with admiration for this courageous and principled woman, who doesn't mince her words in showing why she did what she did. What a story, and so readable!
July 10, 2017
'She wont shut up and she wont back down'. This book was a page turner for me. Surprisingly, some of my South African colleagues were not very complimentary towards her, defining her a 'control freak', and a 'a know-it-all'. And yes, she may not at times realise the impact her words have on people, but I have to give it to her. In a country where tribalism seems to have taken over as a form of government, this woman has guts. Despite the working hours, the sacrifices and the very real threats, she powers on following her ideals for a country that she has running through her veins. It's difficult to judge from the outside, having only been an occasional tourist in this country, but it seems corruption is now rife and the struggle from all quarters to keep solid judiciary, legislative, administrative and enforcement institutions going feels like pushing rock uphill. Jacob Zuma has left a legacy of charm behind him, as well as predatory killer instincts. The racial card always played well by his cronies, he has hung his own common people out to dry. His race obsession as well as the country's is the ultimate burden South Africa carries as its legacy from the brutal apartheid regime. The scars running deep are still causing conflict and pain today but they are also delaying the country's economic development. Of course an autobiography will have edited out quite a few unsavoury details, but it doesn't honestly feel like a hagiography. On the contrary, it's evidence that after a dictatorship run and supported by the whites and the West, the only path to real democracy is a real solid opposition party. And this is what Godzille is saying. Hold the ANC to account. At all times. I think this book is the story of a fighter and deep lover of South Africa. It would be good to see something similar written honestly by someone in the ANC quarters. If anyone dares take up the challenge. Not a mean feat. Mandela is still the father of the country. But after him? Shambles.
January 15, 2018
I must admit this book didn't intrigue me. When the library patron handed it over to me I was surprised by its volume - hoping it was filled with enjoyable reading material. But after a few chapters I found, in my opinion, that it had unnecessary topics and I couldn't put myself to reading through all that to get juicy parts here and there. Maybe it was just bad timing, but not the book I would like to have started my 2018 on. The unfinished book....maybe will attempt it again...if someone can persuade me.
February 20, 2024
Helen Zille writes a compelling account of the political landscape in South Africa at the time of the introduction of multi-party democracy in the latter years of the 20th century. It is not a pretty picture as political animals conspire to secure influence, but it is fascinating to read lesser known facts about people who shaped the opposition parties in South Africa in the early part of the 21st century.
May 4, 2017
A fascinating read about South Africa, politics and a remarkable woman
April 18, 2018
Helen Zille's story: from journalist, to mayor of Cape Town to leader of the opposition - and her lifelong fight for a democratic South Africa.
January 21, 2021
Fascinating story of a South African politician. I was recommended it by a South African friend.
July 17, 2021
Well written and insightful.
March 18, 2017
I was undecided for quite a while as to whether I should rate this book 4 or 5 stars. It is not a brilliantly crafted novel, which is normally a requirement for me to give 5 stars. But it was truly gripped, and the book gave me a much greater understanding of how politics works. In the end I decided on 5 stars because I have huge respect for Helen Zille's courage, integrity and her almost unparalleled contribution to fighting for democracy in South Africa. She gets 5 stars for living the life that her book tells us about.
October 22, 2025
Befitting of the multifaceted challenges she faced as a woman, wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, grandmother and democratic politician in the second half of the 20th century and transitioning into the 21st century, the first part of the book's title is sumptuous.
As a reader who could possibly be blindly unaware of her Jewish ancestry, like I was, the reveal in the first few chapters can have one in shattering humiliation, especially having considered her participation and influential inklings in South African politics — post her journalism career, as associated with preconceived perceptions of white Afrikaans (in the outright conservative and masculine sense) apartheid rule. Conversely, conservative Jews aren't a considerable contingent in South Africa unless that assertion needs some more reading. Have a sense of humour!
This reader is apologetic and extremely humbled for his behaviour to a democratic aunt who, indeed, was a twig.
Chapters that were found interesting by this particular reader were "Moral Equivalence" and "Varying Shades of Bad". From the first one, "An ex brigadier of an apartheid homeland army, if he was black, was assumed to have greater legitimacy as a political leader than an anti-apartheid activist who happened to be white," this quote surmises her feisty femininity but more importantly, how the DA's white contingent perceives the purveyors of South Africa's current democracy. It's actually quite impressive for her to garner the sphere of influence she has over the years and 'attract for conversion' the masculine mindset within coercible 'would be' DA members.
From the second one, "The big question for political decision-makers is always: compared to what? I don't know who first said it, but every political leader soon finds out what it means - and that it is true," this quote is hilarious to a conservative minded reader who's gone on a hiatus to read the oppositional viewpoint. I think we all know who said that first, Aunty Twiggy. Perhaps, the alliance aspect of the DA's overlay is not so much about representation of race but more about representation of ideology. That's the most rich concept I picked up from reading the book; women, all races, men, all social classes, contributing to an "aspirationally" English Liberal and well governed state as was envisaged by classic liberalism in its original French conceptualization of the 18th century.
It is a well written book with her entire genealogy, political history, journalistic history and personal history. It's just unfortunate that the younger generation didn't get to refer to her as Mrs. Maree.
Good read, indeed.
As a reader who could possibly be blindly unaware of her Jewish ancestry, like I was, the reveal in the first few chapters can have one in shattering humiliation, especially having considered her participation and influential inklings in South African politics — post her journalism career, as associated with preconceived perceptions of white Afrikaans (in the outright conservative and masculine sense) apartheid rule. Conversely, conservative Jews aren't a considerable contingent in South Africa unless that assertion needs some more reading. Have a sense of humour!
This reader is apologetic and extremely humbled for his behaviour to a democratic aunt who, indeed, was a twig.
Chapters that were found interesting by this particular reader were "Moral Equivalence" and "Varying Shades of Bad". From the first one, "An ex brigadier of an apartheid homeland army, if he was black, was assumed to have greater legitimacy as a political leader than an anti-apartheid activist who happened to be white," this quote surmises her feisty femininity but more importantly, how the DA's white contingent perceives the purveyors of South Africa's current democracy. It's actually quite impressive for her to garner the sphere of influence she has over the years and 'attract for conversion' the masculine mindset within coercible 'would be' DA members.
From the second one, "The big question for political decision-makers is always: compared to what? I don't know who first said it, but every political leader soon finds out what it means - and that it is true," this quote is hilarious to a conservative minded reader who's gone on a hiatus to read the oppositional viewpoint. I think we all know who said that first, Aunty Twiggy. Perhaps, the alliance aspect of the DA's overlay is not so much about representation of race but more about representation of ideology. That's the most rich concept I picked up from reading the book; women, all races, men, all social classes, contributing to an "aspirationally" English Liberal and well governed state as was envisaged by classic liberalism in its original French conceptualization of the 18th century.
It is a well written book with her entire genealogy, political history, journalistic history and personal history. It's just unfortunate that the younger generation didn't get to refer to her as Mrs. Maree.
Good read, indeed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2017
I didn't particularly enjoy the beginning - lots of history which was quite difficult to get through. The parts about apartheid and the building of the DA were interesting. Very provocative final chapters.
December 14, 2016
Lengthy but interesting view behind the scenes at the politics of the day. Certainly a driven women who accomplished much despite significant opposition from within her party and captured government institutions.
January 16, 2017
Not without a Fight?
An interesting read highlighting the intrigue and betrayal that is part of the political scene, relevant at this time in South Africa's history!
An interesting read highlighting the intrigue and betrayal that is part of the political scene, relevant at this time in South Africa's history!
November 7, 2016
Just amazing, superb writing giving insight into critical developments in our country.
December 3, 2016
Powerful, insightful, fascinating and extremely brave. Helen Zille is a remarkable woman.
January 13, 2017
An absolutely inspiring read. Essential for anyone even vaguely interested in the political landscape of South Africa today.
November 6, 2017
Surprised to find it a page turner, couldn't wait to find out what the next challenge was for this remarkable lady, well documented, fascinating reading about political system in South Africa.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews