Suggest that my perceptions are that Maimane is just there to appeal to the black vote. Why would I think this? 

Firstly, he has never held any leadership position, he was only the spokesperson of the DA and he has failed on numerous occasions to get elected in any leadership capacity. Next thing he gets shoe-ed in as leader. 

Secondly, this is not his first major gaffe and he seems completely oblivious of not only his own party's policies, but of our national policies (think Zambia). 

Thirdly, as soon as he announced his decision to suspend Zille, a bunch of has-beens in the party jumped on the opportunity to express support for Maimane, and to echo calls for her to resign. 

Would it not appear that there is merit to the idea that these has-beens are the guys pulling Maimane's strings?

To who exactly does Maimane appeal? Versus Zille's appeal across the board, and her proven track record in the Western Cape?