Zapiro in Zuma cartoon uproar

Zapiro and the Mail & Guardian need to be called to order and it unbelivable that the catoon even made it into the paper, this very insulting to both the people in the cartoon and the ANC. We can't allow for jokes to be made out of such a serious matter as rape regardless. TD

What is the fuss? The cartoon depicts very accurately what is currently happening. I think that Zuma and the alliance partners cannot bear the thought that the truth can be so easy depicted.

Well done Zapiro, bulls eye once again.

Oh, I see. It's OK for the ANC and the alliance to attempt to unpick the constitution and undermine the justice system, in their desperate attempt to keep Mr Zuma from answering questions in court. It's also OK to utterly ignore the views of the people in respect of the Scorpions. It's also OK for those buffoons posing as the ANCYL to basically threaten the country with anarchy if they don't have their way, but now they're getting all precious with their 'integrity'?

And it took, what, all of 5 minutes to label Zapiro as a racist? What willpower. How predictable.

I have to say that at first I was taken aback at the attack on the justice system being represented as a rape. But it is true that the word "rape" is used to describe an attack on an institution and in that sense I found it to be very clear.

What is so different between the use of the word "kill" by the leader of ANCYL (when according to him, he did not mean to actually make someone die)and the idea of rape of an institution being depicted by the more usual use of the word?

EXCELLENT cartoon Zapiro! The truth hurts. They are RAPING the justice system in much the same way that government has been complicit in the rape of the South African public via Telkom's exorbitant pricing. Government, ICASA, Dept of Communications have all been holding the South African economy and public down by allowing Telkom to have its way with us for so long and charge heaven and earth for a broadband connection.

Spot on Zapiro - Visit www.bruin-ou.com

Call a spade a spade.

I just hope that the people depicted in the cartoon sees that, is how many people in the world never mind the nation, sees this whole saga as what Zapiro depicts in the cartoon. I just really hope, you open your eyes. Because that is what it looks like to the whole world.

And then what saddens me the most, is that this will be your legacy to your children’s children.

Soccer Team Politics - again.
You are in my team or not in my team..............and the winning team takes all.

When will they understand that the government does not belong to the part??
Mugabe and his crew are a classic case, and somehow in Africa political teams like to play the game like this.

Well done Zapiro!!

Watch the soccer team mentality.

The Government belongs to the people, not the winning Party all you winging Party Team supporters!!

Hooray the likes of brave people like Zapiro, the Editor of the Sunday Times, and the likes.............
Respect is what you have.

If thers one thing I hate about the ANC and its alliance is the way they want to control the justice system. Recently it was said that cosatu is going to call a national strike for the support of JZ. These people in the alliance have their agendas nd they r using the public in achieving their goals. Well mayb they are promised gorvement post, who knows?.

Well done ZAPIRO, hope will see more of your creativity.

The following statement is rich coming from the lexicographers of the "Kill for Zuma" brigade.

"Zapiro has gone off the mark and he needs to be reminded of the basic tenets of press freedom for which insult and defamation are not counted amongst them," said the three parties (ANC, SACP and ANC Youth League).

While this statement could equally apply to all those caricatured by Zapiro.

"We can only hope that the newspaper will find a suitable leadership other than the ranting dictator who finds joy in manipulating the truth," they added.

And, finally, a comrade who never did allow his dialectical material lack of imagination to perceive the metaphorical.

Said SACP spokesperson Maleka: "Does Zuma have so many women to fill a stadium? Does he have so many lawyers? No. So these cartoons are wrong. They don't tell the truth, they are inaccurate." He added: "Zuma is not a rapist. What Zapiro does is beyond the line."

What you give you gotta get! The Alliance partners have the right to defend themselves. Zapiro has an insatiable hatred for Mr. Zuma and will use any event to publicly humiliate him. It's no longer funny.

"...and that we want to run justice fairly to the people." That statement by Mr. Maleka says it all. ANC has no intention to have an independent judicial system in this country. They 'want to run' it from Luthuli House. No wonder their disgusting statements. Any voice of reason is labelled as insulting. You go Zapiro!!! You go Mondli!!!! Say it as it is.

Zapiro is so spot on. Why should, Zuma and the ANC be allowed, to rape our justice system?Why should, for a matter of fact, the ANC be allowed to rape our country?
If, the ANC and Zuma, think he has no charges to face, why are they so affraid of the trial being brought to court?
We all know why. The cards are stacked against him.
If this case is dropped, if this case does not go to trial, you can kiss goodbye any justice system in South Africa, unless you are a politician,corrupt and black

I was amazed by the response of our alliance partners.

They seem to have forgetten what theyve been saying publicly lately. The public threats of national instability, a national blackmail of some sorts.
I find it ironic that they talk of integrity and cannot apologise for a statement that could evoke more violence in a society marred by intolerable levels all ready. Pot and kettle should kiss and make up.

Zapiro said what we all were all ready thinking.

I knew the backlash would be vicious. A friend sms'd me this morning to ask if I'd seen this and we proceeded to have a lengthy discussion on the possible repercussions and my sentiments have proven prophetic. Mondli committed political suicide in allowing this cartoon to go to print on the same week he was busy apologising for the lies he allowed to go to print last week. Again. Will the Sunday Times board never learn until the paper is 100% discredited that Mondli MUST GO?

Well done Zapiro, this is exactly the way in which normal SA citizens view current happenings.

OOOOO ! The truth is painfull.

Anyone who doubts Zapiro’s use of the rape metaphor must consider this. The people being fingered in the cartoon have all refused to apologise for their offensive statements and actions. They were berated from outside and within the party and their reaction was one of defiance. This cartoon has resulted in outrage because it is true, it shocks and they cannot ignore it or defy it. Mission accomplished

Maybe those playing the racecard should use some of their misspent time going through the Zapiro archive before calling him racist.

They should stop hiding their lack of intelligence and lack of ability to debate an issue logically, under the cloak of racism. No wonder the poor ANCYL spokespersons end up cannonfodder everytime they are interviewed Ridi Didereko.

So, its OK for Zuma's allies to threaten to kill to ensure that he becomes president, but its not OK to say they are raping the constitution in the process of ensuring that be becomes president?

How can that be?

The ruling party through the people who elected the ANC as the government of the day as well as the card carrying members of the ANC who elected Mr Zuma as their president must feel insulted by Zapiro. I feel insulted. Dr. Zapiro I believe has his finger on the pulse of the majority of the People, those who is being represented by the ANC and its president, Mr Zuma. White wealth may find this amusing as well as disgruntled apartheid beneficiaries, but you must remain laughing in your ivory towers, Dr Zapman.

Julius and Vavi want to kill. Zuma wants his machine gun, presumably to kill. So what is worse? Zapiro's very funny cartoon, or ANC leaders killing? Many civilised people who want peace and democracy will not agree with the ANC's call to arms and to kill opposition whereas Zapiros is hilarious. The ANC just cannot take criticism or humour and are so sensitive about it that they really need help.

your head is in the sand boy, TD shame on you, maybe you should move to Zimbambwe where there is no freedom of expresseion what soever. Zuma is not fit to be a president.

I find the cartoon deeply disturbing. This has gone beyond harmless satire. Though normally a great fan of Zapiro, I beleive he has gone too far this time.

So with indignant outrage the Zuma camp voice's their disgust at the way they are portrayed in Zapiro's cartoon.

Who is doing what to whom? Is it Zapiro who is attempting to subvert justice in his favour? Is Zapiro desperately trying to avoid his day in court? Will Zapiro sacrifice our constitution for a place on the gravy train? Has Zapiro threatened to kill if justice is not served in a format that suits his needs? Is Zapiro threatening South Africa with mass action and violence or death if he does not get his own way? Me thinks not.

You are portrayed in the press [for the most part] as society sees you. What you are hearing in the press is a direct result of your actions. Your outrage is disingenuous.

And for the record, I strenuously object to your apparent “win at all costs” approach to leading our country. Your actions are unacceptable to me and come election time, you will learn that more South Africans than you currently think, have the same opinion.

Peter Walsh [JHB]

viva Zapiro Viva

It's an excellent cartoon and it depicts perfectly the thuggish mentality of those depicted. If the cartoon "offends", the cynical abuse of power by Zuma and his gang of lickspittles offends much, much more.

.. and then comes the Narrative fallacy...so mechanical, so predictable. The closer the election looms, the greater our capacity to create Black Swans; we really do live in interesting times, don't we?

I will kill for Zapiro!! Err, umm, what I mean to say is... I will lay down my life for Zapiro!!

Well, I hope that I have demonstrated the hypocrisy of the ANCYL, SACP and Cosatu in this matter.

Ever since all the systems of the time, i.e colonialism, apartheid, and now new democracy, there has never been a cartoon of this type, a cartoon leaving negative implication to the leaders of the era. The timing of the cartoon and its content is questionable. South Africa is at a time of nursing its feeble democracy, cleaning up the mess left by both colonial and apartheid systems. It is therefore, disgusting to note particular minority group undermining systems of the time. Justice System, Women Emancipation, Constitution, Human dignity, and the press Code of conduct, all need to be respected by all citezens including the prominent rape witness-Zapiro.

I agree - who is doing more harm? Zapiro, hitting a raw nerve and provoking reaction, or Zuma and his gang, putting their power interests above those of several million people? By the way, would he have provoked a reaction had there not been some truth to it?

I would say he who denies it, supplies it.

Nothing says truth like Zapiro

Well done Zapiro, well done, with one small picture you said what most of South Africa is thinking.

Zapiro, You are my Hero! As far as rape, It is about time someone stands out against the desensitized image of rapists, and criminals, yeah bring it out in public, stop hiding it behind closed doors. Let the public see these inhumane people for the cowards they are. Public hangings have an appeal when taking the results of rape into context. Quite funny how these comrades of Zuma declare the significance of rape now when it effects them. If they felt so strongly about rape, why did these cowards not do a lot more from day one? Talk about double standards. Forcing the owner of the newspapers into submission when you do not agree with content, then you talk about dictatorship by others. What a laugh.

The real Irony here is that Zapiro does not even create the humor, that is done completely by these clowns, whom try and portray themselves as leaders, but have accomplished nothing more than turning the whole political arena into a circus. Zapiro just draws it as it is, and these clowns are hilarious.

Talk about real funny, until recently, in my complete ignorance, I just assumed, without giving it much second thought, that Zapiro was black. He never spewed the usual white racist dribble that has been clubbed to death(reminiscence of a baby seal). And he is now labeled as a racist by blacks, hilarious!

If these clowns stop giving funny material, then Zapiro would have to find material elsewhere. But to these clowns in the circus arena, or was that the political arena, (I forget) I beg you, please keep it up, the material, and the results that you have given through to Zapiro is absolutely brilliant! I wait in anticipation for everyone one of Zapiros cartoons, it always makes my day.

And Zapiro, as much as I would like to vote Zapiro as innovator, and forerunner, and as much as these fools would like to praise him with been the forerunner of making a clown out of zuma. The truth is that Zapira cannot take first place. First place would be zuma himself, and second place goes to all the media, every time they publish one of his antics (thinly disguised as a public display or speech), it just makes him more of a clown. Check out you-tube to see some real gems!

The newspapers involved and Zapiro have a perfect defense.

The cartoons are being taken out of context and are being misquoted.

Or is this defense only open to politicians?

Go and look at some Hogarth Cartoons from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and notice your two hundreed years out of date in SA.

Viva Zapiro! Viva! There are many dire issues illustrated in your cartoon, and many other issues dragged into the open by its effect on the nation. This is complete success in journalism, in perception, in commentary, in analysis, in cutting wit, and in artistry. Isn't it amusing how rogues can't take a joke? How they go ape when satirised? The central mordant joke is that they are precisely so stupid, so self-obsessed in their greed for position, power and money, so comic in their ridiculous symian 'dignity', and -- most trenchant of all -- so pathetically defensive, that they have now bust a gut. They are vulnerable precisely because they are so patently stupid and have so much muck on their faces already. Nothing less than biting satire can do justice to these dangerous clowns. Viva Zapiro, Viva!

The cartoon is most eloquently accurate about what Zuma and his thugs are trying to do to South Africa. They are dragging the country back to the days of apartheid when justice was raped every day by White racists in the Government and everywhere else. What's next, Mr Zuma? The apartheid dirty trick of sending a bomb through the mail to Zapiro?

Absolutely brilliant. The reason the ANC, SACP, and COSATU have reacted so strongly is because it hits too close to home. Many a truth told in jest.

Here's hoping we see a Zuma cartoon depicting his first day in jail in the not too distant future.

Zapiro for president!!!!!!!
The only way to tell these morons they don't deserve to lead the nation, is to tell them at the ballot box. Total defeat will make them listen. Yes we have already had enough of your banana-republic antics and want real leaders to lead us. Come voting time,come

I am going to say it even loud, iwas so happy to see Zapiro's cartoon. I felt it was time someone show the Zuma supporters what they were doing. And funny enough they now want to crucify Zapiro without looking at the susbstance of his cartoon. And i wish the cartoon can be published in every newspaper online and hard copies around the world so that everyone can be aware of what zapiro depicted.

we need more zapiro's to tell it like it is without so many words.

Well done Zapiro, keep it up.

Zapiro has a knack of cutting right to heart of the matter - and he's brilliant at it! Zuma and his thugs are trying to rape the justice system - there's no other way to describe it. These so called leaders - are nothing more than self-serving antagonists. Why can't this country have brilliant, educated, upstanding diplomats and politicians like Barack Obama - man, what a different country this would be, and what a different image we would portray to the world! Instead we have backward 'revolutionaries' fighting for an unknown struggle. There is no struggle - there is just a lot of building, hard work, co-operation, vision, energy, and creativity required. This country needs honest, educated men with integrity - not charming, half-wit, country-bumpkins that can dance and sing 'bring me my machine-gun' at the same time. Zuma is an idiot and an embarresment, and the rest of his cronies are not far behind. Viva Zapiro, Viva!

When people tell blatant lies with nothing behind it, it doesn't matter how ludacris it is but we can always see the truth (or lack there of) behind it..

You must ask yourself why this angers these guys..I think Zapiro hit the spot on this one. Well done!!

"..we are committed to the criminal justice system and that we want to run justice fairly to the people." I honestly wonder how much worse these things will get once there is a change of leadership in SA..You are in our prayers..

What saddens me is most of the comments above can be seperated on colour lines judging by the names. Generally black against article, white for. Are we really so out of touch with each and our ideas of democracy and justice?

How the truth hurts!

The worst thing with the so-called protagonists of the truth is their same disregard that there may actually be two sides to the truth. Its nice and easy to say J.Z. is raping the justice system, but what about the Justice system itself. What about the notion that "justice delayed is justice denied" Is it reasonable to put someone on the public radar and judgement for seven years. While the ANC has come out clear to debate the alternative resolution to the case, the Justice system has over a long period given Zuma trial to the media who have in turn already found him guilty. As for Zapiro it has been clear over the last few years that his cartoons are no longer aimed at poking fun, but are largely political, which brings me to the question, who is behind the Zapiro that we all used to laugh at? If Zapiro wants to enter politics let him do so openly, not hide behind the cartoons. In fact, Zapiro and the justice system have constitently and constantly been raping Jacob Zuma with their friends in the Media and the opposition saying "go for it". Now this is the other side of the truth

It's a vicious cartoon - which is exactly what we needed someone to show us!
Art is a mirror that interprets our world.

This cartoon has at last made SA debate the Zuma issue: why is the ANC forcing us to have a crook as president!? If they did not support JZ we would not be in this situation. Has the ANC actually asked all the hard-working honest ANC members if they want JZ? If they are prepared to rubbish our institutions, they must first have a referendum.

I am soooo pleased to see that it also is no longer such a race issue: looking at the comments, there are black people that are also worried we could end up with a corrupt president who uses taxpayers money to keep himself out of court.
That is really not a good sign guys!

Once again Zapiro has hit the mark with painful accuracy! The ANC and their allies would like nothing more than to get rid of him and other independent thinkers like Mondli Makhanya. Wake up people, this is exactly what you fought the old NP for.
Not everyone will agree with what has been depicted here, but it is a whole lot more subtle and clever than the rantings of the ANCYL, SACP, Cosatu and the ANC have been recently.
The one thing the present government has wrong is the ability and humility to accept criticism when people disagree with their view. Instead of calling for a machine gun everyone time someone disagrees, perhaps these gentlemen should take it for what it is: another person's opinion on what is transpiring in our beloved country.
It will be a sad day in SA if a journalist ever gets fired over voicing his opinion within the bounds of our constitution.
Well done Zapiro, Mondli] Makhanya , and the Sunday Times!

Paul Vincent, you can get a feeling of the prison experience, Zapiro cartoon and all at:

http://blogspace.mweb.co.za/site/alias__Geoann/58821/default.aspx

I would've have put it on here but it is a bit extensive.

The cartoon on Obama and Zuma might have been slightly below the belt, however the one on the justice system is spot on.

Calling judges names and protesting outside justice offices to try to influence rulings is as exactly as Zapiro has depicted it. Rape!

If the alliance lives in a glass house, they should not throw stones.

Loving this view this cartoon. While I understand that it may be seen some what,as a deformation to JZ's character. Some people need to get a sense of humor. So i check out what the word means in the dictionary just for fun,
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source -
–noun
1. the unlawful compelling of a woman through physical force or duress to have sexual intercourse.
2. any act of sexual intercourse that is forced upon a person.
3. statutory rape.
4. an act of plunder, violent seizure, or abuse; despoliation; violation: the rape of the countryside.
5. Archaic. the act of seizing and carrying off by force.
–verb (used with object)
6. to force to have sexual intercourse.
7. to plunder (a place); despoil.
8. to seize, take, or carry off by force.
–verb (used without object)
9. to commit rape.

especially note use 4 , 7 and 8
So really perhaps these guy should apply all their years of excellent education to reading the English dictionary.
that aside, They cry foul over a silly cartoon, but its ok that they feel they have the right to hold the country to ransom like some play ground bully, but it not alright when some one bullies back ?
Go Zapiro. Perhaps this is a case of hitting to close to the mark ?

Zapiro's hit the nail right on the shower-head. If Mr Machine Gun is the best possible presidential candidate the ANC has to offer South Africa then we're in a whole mess of trouble. Zuma is not unlike McCain.... but where the hell is SA's Obama? Will he please step forward!

the saying have been said a long time ago but putting graphic visuals to it is a bit difficult to swallow even for me.
for some, like me, do not have the creativity to merge the two and can't possibly use the interpretation that Zapiro used to explain the current state of affairs. i agree that they should respect the sovereignity of the justice system but we are still human.Humanity and mutual standards should not be comprimised to correct errors that may be committed.

I find the cartoon disturbing,remember if JZ and his cronies had not done what they have done,ie, abuse of power,this cartoon would not have existed,remember this cartoon is about power NOT women which is the spin I expect the ANC and their allies to put on it,the cartoon, a reflection of SA society as many people see it, remember the secondary but just as important angle to this is morality, which many people seem to have conveniently forgotten about,it makes me sad that the morals of SA society have sunk so low,and there is no doubt that they have,I doubt if even this shocking cartoon,which it is ment to be,could help shake many SA citizens from their lethargic stupor.Move aside,let me watch the sport on TV,the ANC is sidetracking your brains to sport,who cares? in a few months you will not remember the result, the major issues however will stay with us for a long long time.

I think Zapiro is pushing the line and im 100% pushing it with him. We treat our politicians as if they are gods, as if they are beyond ridicule, they are here to serve, when they seek to only serve themselves then they suffer the consequences of public opinion.

I do not think the rape metaphor is downplaying the seriousness of rape, in fact is it only emphasizing the serious thread currently towards our justice system.

And funny how it ok to "kill" for Zuma (metaphorically), but any other metaphors that are used against him (rather than for him), or unacceptable.

double standards.

Well done Zapiro - this is your best cartoon yet - political satire is supposed to bring the truth sharply into focus and isn't supposed to be PC. Hope you don't apologize!

The truth seem to be only according to the ANC. Good work to the guys at Sunday Times esp Zapiro

This is totally unacceptable. If the whole world is with Zuma then out of the blues there come Honorable Zaphiro of the Antiraping Justice System Party (ARJSP) and is against Zuma. Hey Zaphiro if you want your party (ARJSP) to be powerful you must partner with some major Anti-ANC parties. Even if your cartoon was not politics motivated you were not suppose to draw it because you have to face the consequences and this people will not leave you unattended. Be careful and ask for external advice if you are not sure what to write next time.

I have always enjoyed Zapiro's cartoons but i think he has gone a bit far with this one. Infact, the NPA is the one raping Mr Zuma's rights with the help of the media and the opposition parties. Maybe we need a cartoon to counter this one, depicting the above scenario next Sunday.

I take my hat off to Zapiro. You are one courageous dude! We need more people to get off the sidelines. Why is calling the ANC to account regarded as heresy? Too many have died for us to sink so low so quickly! Viva Zapiro Viva!

Congratulations to Shapiro, once again. And the Mail and Guardian.

Only the ANC (African National Criminals?) could be proud of a flawed leader like Zuma, to the dismay of sober thinking citizens and the rest of the world. If this person is considered to be the best the party has to offer, we are doomed as a nation.

The current ANC is the most shameful party to have ever ruled this country and their underhand tactics surpass those of the previous regime. Crime has become the national pass time and the ultimate job creation project.

DS

Black leaders have been generally ridiculed, called names, humiliated, ostracized and degraded. Mandela who is now a hero in the eyes of the white population could not escape this. Yet we keep on forgiving you. We are constantly reminded that we are black and therefore not leaders and not equal. To be a black good leader one should please you until we are of no use to you. We are angry, after all the cutesy we have afforded you and permitted you to thrive in our own land. Some thing has to give. Look at how violent crime is in our county, yet we claim that we are not racist. When will this end? The leaders ridiculed by Zapiro on Sunday are family men and fathers with children and most importantly they are human beings like you not morons. If and only if you want a future for your own kids and our kids in this country, repent.

The cartoon raises eyebrows in a sense that we are busy fighting issues of racism especially in the W.C and for gender equality as community activists, but such cartoons are being published.

Zapiro must understand that we see things different and we can also analyze what we see differently.
Amandla to gender equality and no to racism

Lunga Cape Town

Mr. Zuma is creating trends here that someone can be over the law, then someone must be above him. and what Zapiro did is exactly what we have been trying to say. to you ANCYL, SACP, COSATU and ANC that is the power of art. thanx Zapiro

Themba Mtshali

It is people like Themba, who obviously supports the threatening way in which the Zuma/Mantashe/Vavi/Nzimandi/Malema cabal deal with issues, that neccesitated the cartoon. Law of nature says for every action there is a reaction.

The reaction to the cabal'c call to kill for Zuma was the cartoon. Themba's reaction to the cartoon is a thinly veiled threat to Zapiro and everyone that disagrees with the cabal. Beware the reaction Themba...

The biggest insult for me is what Zuma is doing to the country - and that is not only the justice system. He is degrading the integrity of South Africa for his own personal political gain (ie power). It is interesting to see that so many poeple are ready to help him in this regard. That is what people should be getting angry about and feel insulted by. The cartoon touched the right nerve.
Living abroad I keep on getting asked by foreigners, "What is going on with South Africa, and what's with Zuma". Sadly I cant give a positive answer.

Finally, someone who has the courage, conviction and moral fibre to say what the quiet majority has not.

I hope that this cartoon gives others the courage to speak out against the corrupt nature of many of our leaders and take a stand against them.
I would certainly be a comrade in that "revolution"!!
I find the comments of the accused go to show their ignorance and little understanding of the cartoon, they seem to only be able to understand it at face value and not see the meaning of it.

Thank you Zapiro, i love our country, hopefully it is courage like yours that will keep it out of the hands of the corrupt.

the have been metaphors about killing for the ANC-incumbent,so why not about them raping our independent judiciary to advance their goes....spot on zapiro..

andile mbona

I was shocked at the visual of a gang rape about to commence even though it is in a cartoon scenario-but-then I realized that apart from the symbolic meaning I think that the ANC and friends have always ignored the millions of rape cases in our country- is it just culture for men to steal sex by force? Depicting a rape scene depicts the situation in our country spot on. It is as if these prominent leaders are condoning rape for never forming any mass protests against it! Or even strive to instill a culture of self contol and protection of women and children- Any woman raped/gang raped before will be fearfull if the ANCYL and friends turn the country into chaos as they treaten-imagen the rapes/gangrapes taking place then on an even greater scale!? If the present goverment cannot protect the population- I doubt if Zuma and friends could do it. Rape is an act of war. This cartoon highlights two issues and not just one. It is like a mirror held up to those depicted in the cartoon to see the state of our nation. If they feel affronted-it is only their feelings that were hurt but imagine the very lives and futures of millions of women /children detroyed by rapists in our country. (There are millions. If a woman or child is raped every 9 minutes/even seconds-do the math for 1-5 years?) If each rapist received the death penalty we would have had only a handful of males-sorry men left in this country. Just as well we dont have the death penaly!?


Then again Malema and Vavi will kill for Zuma-they can deliver the death penalty as well as the rapists- wait again -yes, we do have the death penalty-oh SA is such a confusing place to live in!

Plenty of support here for the accuracy of Zapiro's depiction of what is happening in South Africa today ...

Read again the sarcastic post of Bruce Clark - it says it all.

Zapiro, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

With a simple poignant depiction, you have done more to alleviate the frustration of those "counter-revolutionaries" amongst us on this little animal farm of ours, than, well another other member of the farm.

Can someone tell me about a case of Barend Strydom were he sad Blacks are not Human,he wishes to take arms and drive Blacks out of SA.Did Zapiro made a catoon about that? Did the media and public ever comment about that statement.The answer is ....NO.Tell me if its fair for my Honourable president to be treated in this way.

I am a great fan of Zapiro, but I find this cartoon offensive.

That elements of the tri-partite alliance are undermining the rule of law is true but that fact needs to be separated from the Zuma rape trial (that this connection is being made is evident from the shower-head emerging from Cde JZ's pate) - the two are unrelated. At that trial Mr Zuma was aquitted, and to portray him as a rapist is offensive. It also in a subtle way undermines the rule of law by suggesting that the Court should not have aquitted him.

So Sunday Times and Mr Shapiro - admit that your judgement was out in this case and apologise for the offence caused.

The old adage "If you can't take it you shouldn't dish it out" should be borne in mind by these two-faced double-standard cretins in the ANC YL et al. An entirely typical case of 'political pot calling the kettle black' if you ask me. Do they really think the rules only apply to others and not themselves, get real, get a life, get yourself a reality check, this is the new South Africa and we all share the same sun, my son.

Julius malema uses the kill word and the human Rights commission is after his hide.
zapiro uses the rape pictures and insults a senior leader and an adult to boot,Human Rights says nothing.Talk of hypocracy.
Are we ever going to take Human Rights Commission seriously?we are no stupid,you know.

Julius, Tshwane.

But then something is missing from cartoon, the AK47 and the money in the backpocket, I understand Umshini wakhe will only be vissible after the unbukling the trouser but has he alredy given Malema money to buy shower gel.... Good work Zapiro and the Ed this is true press freedom and freedom of speach is not only for the rulling party

Zapiro for president!

Said Maleka: "Does Zuma have so many women to fill a stadium? Does he have so many lawyers? No. So these cartoons are wrong. They don't tell the truth, they are inaccurate."

Please tell me this is a misquote. PLEASE!
Is it possible that such idiocy exists at a level as high as that of spokesperson for the SACP; taking a cartoon comletely literally??? My faith in the leadership we live under has been shaken to the core... again.

100% Zapiro!

Phantsi The Coalition Of The Golden Showerhead, Phantsi!

And as for those who make barefaced threats against someone who is simply exercising his freedom of speech, I have this to say - your day is over. Stick a bun in your mouth, you've had your say!

You have yourselves to blame for clinging to a mentality that has no place in the NEW South Africa. We live in a new world, where the rhetorical revolutionary pigeonholes don't apply because they are outdated and can't roll with the punches. If you can't handle it, roll in the dust and throw your toys out the cot all you like, but democracy is here to stay, boys, and we ALL like it that way!

VIVA, ZAPIRO, VIVA!!!!

Ahh man, Zapiro just hit where it hurts the most! And now he's being labelled as a racist? I think this racist thing is just an excuse!! HAIL ZAPIRO for telling the TRUTH!

Its called political satire and is required in any healthy democracy. Well done Zapiro!

This is the real case of the kettle calling the pot black. The ANC and its hagiographers are mad because for sommeone is calling it as it is. How convenient then is it for them to label Zapiro and Makhanya all sorts of names! And this is the organisation that once prided itself for being a broad church of opinions. Their hypocrisy is sickening.

Moksie

To Msholozi
My Poor & Humble President this should not bother or demoralise you,i think by now you are used to this, you have been through a lot in your life, they will call you names, portray you in a negative way but we are with you, we won't stop supporting & defending you, you are one of us. Amandla Msholozi ... Viva My President.

One truthful cartoon cuts through a million lies.
One day we'll have leaders who can tell (and maybe even face?) the truth. Meantime, though, the power of lies, told often and loud, still holds sway. Our ANC have learnt well from Bush and Blair to simply tell bigger lies if the first ones aren't working.

Lets brace ourselves for intense vitriolic speeches from the Malemas and Vavis of this world. This is much ado about nothing and one cannot truthfully say Zapiro went too far as he potrays the situation that obtains on the ground. Be that as it may, the vociferous Zuma troops will react with anger that will make that which followed the Muhammad cartoons saga child's play.

Mark my words, you are going to pick this man up one day in the street dead.

@Paul van Uytrecht: Study the cartoon: It suggest the Justice System is about to be raped by a gang of people who decidedly do NOT have SA's (or our future) interests at heart. Whether some or all of them have been accused of rape before (or not) is entirely incidental.
The furore is precisely because this cartoon hits the nail on the head: A system is being "raped" before our eyes by a gang of self-centred liars, and that fact needs to be shouted from the rooftops.
Viva Zapiro, strength to your pen. I don't for one minute think you enjoy this, so I admire you all the more for not self-censoring.
I find it humbling whenever I witness true courage.

I am an open minded south african and I din't see anything wrong with the cartoon until I saw a shower on Comrade JZ's head. Of all the justification of the rape of justice system, WITH DUE RESPECT "ZAPIRO CAN YOU PLEASE JUSTIFY THE USE OF A SHOWER DRAWING ON THE DEPICTION OF COMRANDE JZ.

Sjoe JZ, the truth really hurts!!! If you are so innocent as you claim to be, stop messing around, stand trail and prove your innocence. If you are guilty, go to jail, do your time. SA is supposed to be a democratic society and its citizens should not be threatened with their lives just because they[the people] do not want a common criminal as a president.
VIVA ZAPIRO VIVA!!!!!!!!!!!!

HA HA, brilliant, Zapiro, you're my hero. Zuma and co have been trying to subvert the justice system for ages and deserve to be called on it.

Thank you Zapiro

In Tswana “O eopile lenaka” Justice System is been manipulated by the ANC, There is a cartoon in City Press news paper where honorable President Thabo Mbeki was shown been bitten and he is on his knees, why is ANC and it’s spokes people are mute on that issue Oh… because is Mbeki. I really don’t want to see the constitution of the country and the country at large after 2009 election, what is a cartoonist’s JOB. Last time I checked this was to be a democratic country but now turned to be ANC country.
Thank you very much for the cartoon that is so true!

Thanxxxxxxxx Zapiro!

Well done Zapiro!

Never has it been that in this country, so many people so captivated. It augurs well for the protection of our hard fought freedom. We cannot blindly follow leaders without really understanding what they represent. The ANC fought for this country and yes people have a right to criticise it but it shouldn't be to indoctrinate people into thinking that JZ was guilty of rape.

There is a lot happening in this country and it calls for debate

SO refreshing to find such whole-hearted support for good, old, plain truth-telling in this so-called republic.

Now, will all the people looking out for our own Obama please step forward? For some strange reason, the excitement of 1994 has long passed its expiry date. While reverting to the system prior to 1994 is unthinkable, it is even more unthinkable to continue with the current dispensation.

Simply: long live, Zapiro and the courage that you represent to say it as it is.

"...you have to face the consequences and this people will not leave you unattended." - Themba Mtshali @ 9:12 am

"Mark my words, you are going to pick this man up one day in the street dead." - 'Kate mat' @ 12:54 pm

Is this what we can look forward to - murderous words directed at anyone who speaks truth to power?

Was it not Biko who said 'I write what I like'?
Is Zapiro not following that maxim?

Or are we to live in fear of recriminations from people for whom honesty is an offensive proposition?

Wake up and smell the freedom you idiots.

Opposition parties must make use of this cartoon in their election campaign,maybe it can bring out some of the ANC votes to them.

Mr. Zuma. It is time you go to court and PROVE your innocence. Until then, you cannot say anything about cartoon, articles or any sort of comment like this. You had it coming. As for your cronies, they should just put up and shut up.

Never before has there been such an accurate and damning indictment on the state of our political affairs. Zuma and his followers have been shown for what they really are, cowards and thugs. We cannot allow these people into power and we must use this opportunity to stimulate debate on the (moral) future of South Africa. No longer can politicians hide behind the excuses of apartheid and racism, our leaders need to be responsible for their actions and above all leaders, members of society who are beyond reproach.

Congratulation Zapiro
This cartoon will go down in History as one of the best political cartoons.

Zapiro meant the cartoon "in a figurative way, its not to be taken literally"
give it some thought.

great stuff zapiro!this is one of the best cartoons of our era.viva
truth hurts,this is what tripe alliance have been doing.now that zapiro exposed them they will blame racism,counter revolutioneries,thabo mbeki,or kgalema.
these people are working very hard to destroy our hard earned democracy as if this country belong to tripe alliance.
south africans will have to prepared themselves for a new struggle to defend our democracy from looters,and greedy lunatics
viva Zapiro.
izweletu

It's odd how when so called "leaders" bash the judiciary (or any other entity they don't like) with a blatant and mindless assault because the purport of the law shows their cause to be fraught with moral degradation, then they chant that judges are not beyond reproach and are nothing more than humans, as susceptible to public criticism as any other. Yet, when what amounts to nothing more than a clever doodle shows the crony thugs of the ruling party in their true light – then Comrade Zipario has over stepped the line.

Zapiro, you are a true freedom fighter, a valiant and courageous South African. Keep it up Zaphero.

people are complaining about the shower zapiro put in the cartoon, but remember u reap what u sow. zuma said it in court that he showered after sleeping with a woman whom he knew that she was HIV+ to reduce the risk of getting the virus. iam a blackman but am not going to support someone who is ignorant just because his black like me.SORRY. and if ANC dont found someone else to stand as president il keep the vote to myself in the next elections.

Viva Zapiro viva. The cartoon actually explains exactly the situation as it is happening.

After going through the posts something struck me. Those who are happy with the cartoon are mainly, from their names, non-blacks or those who clearly stae that they do not support Zuma. So it appears that the viewpoint is informed by the fact that you are not of Zuma's race or his supporter, not on the suitability of the cartoon.

For me anyway the cartoon merely saddened me considering the sensitivity of the crime of rape. Those of us who are from areas where such a crime is prevalent will no doubt feel the same. to those who livee in the metarphorical ivory tower cannot understand. however, it must be emphasizes that Zapiro has the right to his commentary. And there is no need to stop him or to fire Makhanya.

The cartoon that i really had a problem with is the one showing Zuma in a stadium full of his wives. That was clearly racist. Zuma is a Zulu and Zulus, like all Africans, believe in polygamy. So Zapiro's point was merely to denigrade African culture. That i have a problem with. i cannot stand colonialism.

Well done Zapiro, heard your argument this morning on 5FM, the cartoon is not offensive to females and you hit the nail on the head.
The truth hurts!
Kirsten Zissimides

Zapiro has accurately depicted exactly what is going on in the Zuma camp. And if you are shocked at this cartoon, just imagine the shock when they with their contempt for the constitution and the judicial system come to power, have a two-thirds majority in parliament and destroy the judicial system protecting our rights against government abuse. Does anybody with a sane, reasonable mind really think they will not abuse it - Mugabe style? Their contempt for justice should be met with the contempt it deserves. Bravo, Zapiro!

Ha, ha, lol! Long live the stupidity of the ANC and its clique! A couple of weeks ago we were not to take literally the killing comments of its chief clowns, but when the shoe is on the other foot they cry fowl. And then the pathetic playing of the racism card. Let me get this right, so every day white people are killed, raped and robbed by black people, those are not racially motivated acts. Racism is a white person having the audacity to criticize a public person who happens to have a black skin.

I think Zapiro's cartoon depicts exactly what is happening in our beloved Country and should make us all sit up and defend the rule of law for withot it we are doomed.We should learn from Zimbabwe.

Concerned Citizen

It made me very queasy when I first saw it. A real thump in the guts, in fact. I warned at least one friend not to look at those pages in the S. Times.

It was immediately clear that there would be a furore. It's not just that it depicts damage being done to the justice system, it's that it depicts, vividly, an act so often described but never seen. It is probably the single most powerful cartoon ever published in this country.

It's not only a protest against the undermining of the judiciary – in no other democracy would a political party dare to overtly pressure independent prosecutors – but as Zapiro mentions in describing his rationale, it is a protest against patriarchy and the kind of sexual violence that is institutionally denied in this country.

As far as insinuating that Zuma is a conventional rapist goes, the cartoon would work without that connotation. I suspect that if the argument that it does insinuate he is a rapist as well as an unscrupulous power-monger were tested in court, he might get a dose of legal pepper spray and a judicious kick in the crotch.

I fear that the cartoon may have deeply upset many people, and not because they necessarily disagree with the viewpoint it represents, nor even with how it is represented, but because that representation is intrinsically deeply upsetting. Like diagnostic surgery, it is invasive, damaging – and necessary.

That cartoon is the best representation of the situation as it is! If Zuma and the ANC and the rest of them dont like it then they should not be trying to by pass the rule of law. It's an oboslute disgrace that those in power treat law as something that happens to other people, and it's about time someone does something about it!

Hate Him or Like Him, Zuma is gonna be ur President ! u can draw million cartoons and post them all over ur house .... the fact remains is ....he will be gorvening Us ... the Poor of the Poorest, he is even endorsed by poor whites who saw salvation in him U hyprocrites don't see. My president u have'nt enjoy the freedom u & other comrades fought for, but don't worry as from next year this will be a thing of the past ! Zapiro n cronies like it or Not u'll be operating from the Union Buildings.Lastly, Guys we don't care what u say about our president... u r just in minority ,e.g How many people r driving X5 or ML's compared to us who r using trains,taxis n buses ? Zuma is one of us, u r just wasting ur time & resources if u try to tarnish his image ! Viva Msholozi ..... Viva my President !

This is fantastic. I don't get it. Also view another Tanzanian cartoon; visit www.africanchapter.blogspot.com and make your day!

It's very sad, but it's clear that a large number of people posting comments here have absolutely no idea what satire is.

They probably think it's a brand name for a black rubber thing that goes on a minibus wheel.

Very sad.

The-Great MoAfrika on September 10, 2008, 12:50 pm
You living in a dream world if you think Zuma is one of the poor. Are you so blinded you cant see all he is doing is trying to drum up some extra votes? It's what politicians do... they lie to get votes. Do you honsetly think Zuma rides around on a train like the rest? wake up! stop being so blinded and start thinking for a change.

Kyle Logan on September 11, 2008, 7:48 am - we don't care what u say guys, Zuma is going to be ur President for the next coming 5yrs, hard luck who don't like him ....Zapiro's,Redi's,John's.....etc

My President is the President of one of the Biggest Political Parties in the world, obviously he has to have a motorcade , he cannot ride a train with us, but cum elctions next year, Us who r riding trains, using buses & taxis we gonna make sure that we put him exactly where he belongs " Union Buildings"! My President we r praying 4u that by 2moro around this time u'l be a free Man . My President for President !
Viva Msholozi ! let them eat a h.... pi... ! We r with U !
Here sorg my President !

I think that period of a disgusting cartoon has passed now .... do u want to draw another one my friend ? hahaahhahaha ..... live with it my friend,Zuma has a support more than any other politician in South Africa - i mean inter provincially , the more you demean him is the more you make him much more Popular .... on the way to Limpopo/Polokwane media was on an onslaught to assasinate his charecter each and every paper was reporting negative things about him .... then what happened ? He trounced our beloved "A'm an African " TM to ur surprise, Hands Off Msholozi .... Hands off Our President !

Most supporters of the cartoon seem to be European. This is not because it is a race issue as the Zuma supporters might want to believe, and it is not because of some unwarranted "colonial" attitude. Supporters of the cartoon are defending our constitution and the integrity of our judiciary. It just so happens that in this case the bad guys are Africans, and if they were white... it would make no difference at all! Zapiro would still have published a similar cartoon. Have you seen his cartoons ridiculing white politicians of the apartheid era? We must stop hiding behind the race card - "colonialism" - and admit without shame that Africans are now as equally free to do the wrong thing as anyone else! Everyone must now be prepared to pay for the consequences of their words and actions and no-one should be above the law. If your only defense is you skin colour then you really have no defense at all.

The-Great MoAfrika on September 11, 2008, 4:33 pm
WOW... will you sure made a believer of me... not one intelligent come back to my aurgument! It's a pity that dedate is so neglected in our schools. Fine is Zuma is so great and all the people follow him i set this challange. You take his promises and record them then when he is president and he fails to live up to his promises he goes to straight to jail... I'll give him a month before his lies pre-president land him in jail post president. The point is what you all fail to realise POLITICIANS LIE TO GET IN POWER! Believeing in him or any other ANC member other than Mandela is living in a dream world. I would so love to have a open debate with Mbeki or Zuma or that twit form the ANC youth league it would be funny to show them for what they really are.

The-Great MoAfrika on September 11, 2008, 12:32 pm
And when he is presidant and you still riding busses or living in shacks forgotten by your "great" Presidant. We, the one's who tried to warn you, will be laughing at you, while at the same time being saddend by this great counrty's decline since Mandela stepped down. How I wish Mandela was younger and still able to be our Presidant. Madeba we miss you and wish these "others" form the ANC would not put your legacy to shame like they are.

julius ledwaba on September 9, 2008, 11:44 am

Obvilously you are stupid if you cant see the difference between a cartoon depicting how Zuma and the ANC are "raping" the justince system by trying to keep zuma out of court, and the ANC youth league stating he will kill for Zuma. One is a metophore or repristantaion of what Zuma is doing the other is a statment. You figure out the diffrence....... if you can. Please dont tell me I have to draw you a diagram!

David le Page hit the nail on the head. The cartoon is very necessary to open the eyes of South Africans. Who will we turn to when our judicial system is being ravished and undermined like it is.

Comments of "going too far" and "trivialising rape" have been bandied about by those who are myopically locked into the horror of what's graphically represented when, in reality, the exact opposite of those knee-jerk reactions hold sway.
The cartoon hits hard but in my view perhaps doesn't even go far enough if the objectors don't get the point. Women aren't at issue here - the justice system is and with due respect to women everywhere - the prospect of the judicial process being subverted through threat and intimidation by the bodies depicted in the cartoon not only sets the most dangerous of precedents, it also portends that South Africans cannot look to the judiciary for justice or protection in time to come.
To object to the imagery used reduces the debate to one of a drawing rather than a political statement - in other words - the politicos draw attention away from the issue at hand hoping that we may all miis the point - sorry - we don't!
The point is simple:
1. We have a judiciary that the doyens of the struggle fought tooth and nail to uphold
2. Those same struggle-champions now threaten to subvert (abuse/rape) that process to prevent Zuma from a fair trial as they maintain that he is being tried by media. No, he is at the mercy of media opinion - not media judgement - that is the the judiciary's domain. (Case in point)
3. We all know that if the trial proceeds and corruption charges are upheld, then the consequences reach out and touch all and sundry, not least of which would be Trevor Manuel and Mbeki himself.
The laundry will be washed and the fallout will be more than catastrophic for the ANC. No Mbeki, no Zuma - corrupt, horrible, rudderless ship... hmmmmm - can't have that!
This is what the detractors wish to prevent which, in itself, is frightening enough but not nearly as frightening as thinking that South Africans aren't savvy enough to see it!
I don't always agree with Zapiro but his right to express his opinion, cleverly, humorously and powerfully are his constitutional right. To start whingeing over pictures, which exercise the concept of free speech, in the hope of having them suppressed, harkens back to the dark days of apartheid and the restriction of self determination. We can never allow ourselves to go back there.
Go Zapiro! And let the judicial process run its course UNHINDERED!
Paul Murray
Magaliesburg

People, do u think that the Malema's, the Manthashe's of the world were going to complain if, the cartoon was about people who were wearing T-shirts written 100 % J-Z... no no no they were not. For past 6 months, Malema has been degrading Mbeki's name, so why couldin't the Vavi's, the Blades of the world stood up and call Malema into order for degrading the President of the great nation. Now coz the now that they will somehow gain if they continue to shoot to injure, no no no... A good Polotician does not make a good Economist , but a good Economist can make a good Polotician.

I could not help but feel saddest and symphathy for one self-indulgent glorified excuse of the so called president of youth league with his statements. The fact that some people were born well positioned in life in terms of of understanding issues than others should not be abused as a platform to vent people's confusion and frusttration at life.

This baffles my mind " how did some people lend position of Presidencyand stugieship" beacause I generally thought that leadership qualities, even a crippled background , but leadership qualities ought to be a requirement in occupying a highly influencial position of Presidency.

Julius , your statements are bestowed with senseless , needless, naked , baseless and self consumed allegation. you fail even to mantion the good things about the current president of South Africa, so stop denting the man of the peoples image 'Mr Zuma".