We live in a particularly turbulent time politically in South Africa with criminals intent on running our beautiful country and no real leaders out there to stop this. Sunday’s Zapiro cartoon was a particularly stark reminder of these facts. The cartoon featured a lady representing the “justice system” being pinned down by Zuma allies in preparation of being raped by Zuma himself.
Zapiro has been labelled as a racist by the ANC, COSATU, the Communist Party and pretty much every other political party allied to Zuma and/or lacking in a frontal lobe. It seems ironic that Zapiro is being called a “racist” considering his history.
Zapiro infact was heavily involved with politics during the 80’s and was considered an “enemy of the state” due to his cartoons. For those of you not familiar, his style of satire is always sharp and biting no matter what the subject matter. I personally feel that he is one man who has stood the test of time in our ever changing country. From what I’ve heard he was actually jailed (or put under house arrest, I forget the story) during the 80’s for speaking out against the Nationalist Government.
What irritates me is the response he has gotten from this cartoon by Zuma cronies. Zapiro is the kind of cartoonist that is brutally honest with his subject matter and exposes the murky truths behind politics no matter who is involved. These Zuma cronies were more than happy to have this man push their cause during apartheid but when their own flaws are in the spotlight they take massive objection.
Here’s the simple fact of the matter: The truth hurts. What Zuma is going to do is delay his trial and then give himself a political pardon once he becomes President. He’s effectively subverting justice in the most insidious manner possible. While the “rape” metaphor is an exceptionally strong one I do not feel that it is unreasonable or out of line.
I cannot commend Zapiro more for frankly having the balls to stand up to big bullies such as Zuma. Despite currently being sued for millions by Zuma, Zapiro is not willing to back down from this fight and apparently will not apologise.
I’ll leave you with two thoughts here: Does it not seem odd that no one else has a problem (specifically but not limited to other political parties) with this cartoon? The second thought is that if Zuma becomes President is this not a chilling prospect of future censorship against anything anti Zuma?
I think possibly we should propose Zapiro for President. I have a feeling Zuma’s supporters are illiterate anyway and will vote for anything with a “Z” in the name.
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Amazing and truth-ful stuff from Zapiro. Funny thing is that the ANC keeps mum when lunatics in their ranks go on about murdering people Ala “kill for Zuma” and then lash out at the true state of affairs..good on ya Zapiro!
I think for many of us this is a stark reminder of reality. Hopefully all will sort itself out when real leaders come to the fore.
Brilliant…I absolutely agree with this article 100%. It just sickens me to think that if he is getting away with this now, can you imagine what he will get away with if/when he is president? I’d rather he was jailed now before this country is plunged into further anarchy! Well done Zapiro I applaud you!
Excellent article Saul. Your posts are truly such a pleasure to read.
Needless to say this contentious issue has raised comments on both sides of the fence – I think we should all stand together in support of Zapiro…. put our money where our mouths are…. what do you think – let’s use the power of social media to support Zapiro… you keen?
it is because of money that the system is where it is, although nothing functions without it.Zuma knows and our CREATOR knows the truth, If you can rape a defenseless human, what can you do to a entire country? President Mbeki spends too much time abroad, and has a “it will sort itself out” attitude so to speak regarding AIDS, XENOPHOBIA ETC.Zuma has been involved in these matters frequently, showing more concern for the people of this country, than for alliances with other counties,who export goods to s.a so increasing unemployment and that i would call real cause for xenophobia, toward a country (ies)far away.Zapiro you rock, i grew up reading my dads collection. My dad then a prominent M.P in parliament for the P.F.P and giving up the luxuries of life to fight for freedom, getting arrested for supporting poverty stricken residents in khayalitsha, our home being teargassed(a 1 year old baby sleeping in the room where the gas started filtering through) the canister openly lying in the garden, awaiting police to arrive, to inform us, on their departure that NO evidence was found, getting telephonic death threats frequently etc etc by nationalist extremes (never proven obviously, the justice system was corrupt then, i do believe that zuma will get the verdict that he deserves)after the commitment that my dad showed and executed also as M.P for the A.N.C, working on various projects in Burundi, as mediator once again giving up his life for justice and peace in this war ridden country. assisting the south african govt getting funding, so the s.a govt could “save”. Along comes a certain govt employee and believes that he (having studied Burundian crisis for for a shorter period than it takes Zapiro to sketch a cartoon) knows how to solve the problem.Tells my dad that his services are no longer required, funding stops, gets verbally assaulted by individuals saying that he has made a mess of the dialogue between the army and the rebels. on the contrary after being pigg=backed by rebel soldiers to a venue where peace was the topic of the meeting, having achived a compromise between these two groups that had never been achieved before. he is unemployed now, in s.a, the s.a that he helped bring to freedom against the nationalist govt. The very “COMRADE” then, telling him to go. insulting him and not offering him a fair opportunity to prove himself, or offering him employment among the “LARGE SPECTRUM OF COMRADES”. His expertize then ( APARTHEID ERA)was priceless, but now that same experience is said to be useless, incorrect, conflict fuelling etc. how does experience become useless, i ask you? Zapiro, I feel for you, that you have been betrayed, stabbed in the back by the very people you supported in the struggle, portraying the truth about the then apartheid regime in your toons.Who has changed the meaning of the word “truth”? USE ME USE ME, i am your helper my friend, freedom of speech must reign supreme, now he still adopts the same attitude as then, but is crucified for it. Give a man power and money, and you give him a better life. give a man a better life, and you give him the drive and will to make money, for himself and the power to give back. For he is grateful for the opportunity that he has been given. Give a s.a politician that, and he thinks he deserves it,he now has the “power” to ignore the people that put their “lives” on the line for him and his comrades.it might make him look bad in the eyes of the vindictive members of this nation toward the then white only govt. MORALS disappear for this man, cause what he has been given, he thinks he deserves. all the pain he suffered in white s.a.What he really has been given, is the “power”to destroy his soul,creating hatred, even against those whom assisted him in times of need.ARE WE REGRESSING BACK TO ANCIENT ROME I ASK YOU? TOO MUCH UNGODLINESS I AM AFRAID TO SAY. JUSTICE IS ONLY THERE TO BE APPLIED BY THE JUST