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Zapiro's Zuma cartoon: Offensive or justified?
The most recent issue of the Sunday Times published a caricature by Shapiro, also known as Zapiro, which depicts ANC President Jacob Zuma unbuckling his belt, about to rape lady justice. The lady is being pinned down by ANC Youth League President Julius Malema, Zwelinzima Vavi, secretary-general of Cosatu, the SACP's Blade Nzimande and the ANC's Gwede Mantashe - who is saying "Go for it, Boss!"
The cartoon comes as the ANC and several of its allies have been accused of attacking the judiciary while the party leader waits to hear if the corruption charges against him will be thrown out of court.
Mhlanga, deputy director of Gender Links, says this cartoon is unacceptable. "Regardless of the message, in the context of violence, it is unacceptable to publish such imagery. We are always encouraging woman to be strong and powerful. Zapiro's cartoon does nothing to portray or uphold our message that woman are not weak, perpetual victims.
"From a Sunday Times perspective they should definitely not have published a cartoon of such nature. It is irresponsible."
Dr Wallace Chuma from the Centre for Film and Media Studies at the University of Cape Town agrees. "It is offensive to women. Why should justice, when it allegedly becomes vulnerable, be personified by a woman?
"I think it's not funny, actually. The cartoonist has a point here, but then to express it through the tired prism of Zuma's sexuality is in bad taste. I honestly don't understand Zapiro's obsession with Zuma's sexual life, notwithstanding the rape case in which Zuma was acquitted. I think there's much more to Zuma as a politician than just the rape case."
However, Professor Anton Harber from the Journalism and Media Studies Programme at Wits University says that while there is no doubt that the cartoon was hard-hitting, "I think one wants satirical cartoonists to shock us.
"Cartoonists are meant to shock and surprise us. Zapiro has strong views and he depicts them well. Good for him."
The Star reported that Zapiro refuses to apologise for the cartoon. The whole saga bears asking the question: While it is clear that Zapiro has a relevant point to make, is his caricature of violence against woman justified?
Cosatu has released a statement stating: "While we accept that cartoonists have the licence to express controversial views, yesterday's cartoon is in extremely bad taste and goes way beyond limits of acceptability.
"Firstly, it implies, and seeks to reinforce the view, that Jacob Zuma, despite having been found not guilty of the charges against him, is indeed a rapist. It is thus highly defamatory. Secondly, the use of a women who is about to be raped to represent the Justice system is grossly insensitive in the context of a crisis of rape and violence against women."
Cosatu has demanded that the Sunday Times publish an apology.
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i think that he was just merely making a point. i think the statement he has made through the use of this cartoon is a bold one. one that many would not be brave enough to make. i think it is real and i believe that its always better to say it like it is instead of trying to sugar coat what is commonly knowledge. yes he could have been more tactful i suppose but what is the point of sugar coating the REAL aspect of the current hapenings in our government system. i say... GO ZAPIRO!
by Taryn Keenan on September 09 2008, 12:35
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i think that this is dead on
why do we beat around the bush when it comes to our government
we cant be scared of the truth forever and because they might threaten lives of those who use their right to freedom of speech,
i love the honesty and bluntness of this cartoon.
by kate on September 09 2008, 12:38
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I am stunned that gender activists attack this on the basis that it is a gender issue.
I would expect gender activists to have equal interest in the rule of law and since Justice is traditionally portrayed as a blind-folded woman, the focus on the so-called gender issue is either a deliberate attempt to draw attention away from the real issue or indicative of a paucity of general knowledge.
by Ann on September 09 2008, 12:45
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This cartoon does not offend me, and I am a woman. The circumstances that have led to the cartoon are what offend me.
by Leigh on September 09 2008, 12:47
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that metaphorically justice is always depicted as a blindfolded woman? This is not an issue of raping a woman, but of raping justice! Zapiro is absolutely spot on with this cartoon. As for bloggers elsewhere who accuse him or racism, the common factor he is focusing on in this cartoon is not the race of the four men, but of their political status and their use of that status to assume that they are more powerful than the law or justice.
by Ann on September 09 2008, 12:48
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The cartoon dipicts exactly what is going on. Is the real world of South African politics not as harsh and as in bad taste as the cartoon suggests? And now we have people giving petty arguments of "why is justice a lady"...hellooooo lady justice? Come on! Zapiro rocks.
by Mitchan Adams on September 09 2008, 12:52
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What is worse...
A) A cartoon depicting what's actually going on in our justice system and government;
or
B) The reality of what is actually happing to your justice system and government.
I think all of us know that our government tends to focus all it's energy on the wrong things. There should rather be an outcry with regards to what is being done to our justice system, than a cartoon by a political satireist.
by Miss T on September 09 2008, 12:58
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Unfortunately gang rapes are the order of the day in SA. A lot of women find themselves in this kind of situations daily. This cartoon is not sensitive to victims who go through this kind of torture. I understand that Zapiro is just doing his job and personally I could care less about the emotional pain Zuma suffers because of the drama he is always attracting. Zapiro could have used something else to drive the point home, not a woman being pinned down by four men. That is just insensitive.
by FM on September 09 2008, 13:04
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In a country that is rife with rape, it is not okay to publish cartoons with such violent connotations. As media people we need to be responsible with the message we portray.
by Kim on September 09 2008, 13:08
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The picture tells the story, however unpalatable it might be toGender Links and Dr Walace Chuma. Zapiuro and the Sunday Times deserve applause for their courage.
by roy vaughan on September 09 2008, 13:11
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The broad spectrum of issues, attitude sets and sensitivities touched on by Zapiro in this comment has drawn responses that are equally revealing and somewhat frightening in their extreme biases. It is surprising that such vitriolic reaction is not directed and expressed at the daily brutality and abuse that we witness around us, both in society and the fare that we are exposed to via other media such as certain movies and other pervayer's of violence and abuse. Is this another exposure of partisan denial rather than recognition of an opinion skillfully rendered? Or is manipulation of the mind an invasion or affront in itself ?
Cartoons are designed to make us laugh, snigger, squirm, nod or shake our heads, after all.
by Roy Clucas on September 09 2008, 13:12
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This cartoon, contrary to Anton Harber's contention, has no discernable shock value. Boring is how i'd describe it. Yet another bundle of white whinging packed into a single visual.
Bored stereotype inventory:
1) The Zuma "shower" issue
2) The ANC, ANCYL, Cosatu and SACP are conspiring to help Zuma to get off
3) Zuma is trying to escape from justice
If anyone can think of any less interesting a point to make I'd like to hear it.
by Jarred Cinman on September 09 2008, 13:15
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I was shocked at the violence associated with this cartoon as much as I was shocked by the Zuma rape trial. We have become worse as a society for both the reality of the rape case and the insensitive reinforcement of it and our political conundrum, with the cartoon. When are we going to stop and spare our children this gutter behaviour ?
Are we suprised then at the level of violence in SA ?
by koko on September 09 2008, 13:24
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And now the ANC secretary-general labels the cartoon as racist. when, oh when, will the madness and racist draw cards stop? it's got nothing, zero, nada, to do with what was depicted in the cartoon.
by carin on September 09 2008, 13:37
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Well the point of the matter is the fact that this country will be lead by somebody who is morally questionable in terms of his past mistakes. Should his court case be dropped this would create another anarchy which says that we are not all equal before the law.
The biggest challenge is the fact that Mr Zuma is not providing any direction in as far as this matter is concerned. Those who stand next to him in the cartoon is as if Zuma is their Mesiah and they are prepared to turn the tables. How long will this happen. The ANC has got enough leaders to take this country forward by people who have got better judgement and morally correct.
By Tshisa Nyama
by GM on September 09 2008, 13:37
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Well done I say!! Zuma is trying to get out of going to trial and "raping justice" - the cartoon says it all. And he's certainly made his point.
by Maxine on September 09 2008, 13:41
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The cartoon is spot-on and is a clear picture of what's happening in our country. The picture really tells the story! Well done Zapiro and keep up the good work...
by Sbu on September 09 2008, 13:44
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I don't find this cartoon offensive in any way, on the contrary I think that it is reflecting exactly what is going on our country ! People should wake up and see what is going on right here in our country and start speaking out. For goodness Sake !
by Concerned South African Citizen on September 09 2008, 13:46
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Tell it like it is Zapiro!!!
by Sue on September 09 2008, 13:56
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Spot on!!! Great cartoon
by Pinky on September 09 2008, 13:59
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I despair. How ignorant are you? Again - this cartoon is not about raping women, its about raping justice.
by Ann on September 09 2008, 14:16
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In a country where violence and abuse towards women and children is on the increase, I think it is with great distaste and inconsideration towards women to publish a cartoon of this nature. Why not choose something else to depict "justice". Women in SA need building not breaking!
by Jax on September 09 2008, 14:21
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Jonathan is taking freedom of expression too far. Its not the cartoon per se but his comments ''... if (Zuma) thought that (the lawsuit) is going to intimidate me, then he must think again, ...'' that suggest that the cartoonist is gunning to be a martyr and that he has an axe to grind. And he knows there are institutions that will back him because they are EXPECTED to. If he has a point to make, well and fine but he should not be personal and abuse such an august privilege.
by Khaya on September 09 2008, 14:24
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I did not enjoy it !!!.
by Peter on September 09 2008, 14:26
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Zapiro didn't choose a woman to represent Justice - a woman as the Justice figure is an international symbol that has been around for centuries. To educate yourself see http://www.commonlaw.com/Justice.html
by Ann on September 09 2008, 14:35
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This cartoon is most certainly deserving of criticism. Lady Justice's right hand looks too floppy and the third finger is longer than the second, which is anatomically incorrect.
... an observation to match the relevance, insight and intellectual rigour of Dr Chuma. May Mr Zapiro turn his sights on you sir!
by Richard Hart on September 09 2008, 14:39
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Cosatu's Zwelinzima Vavi comments that "Zapiro has equated us to rapists". This would be a breathtakingly insightful inference... for a ten year old. How dim is he? Then again, how dim am I for asking that!
by Guy Jackson on September 09 2008, 14:40
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I think Pamela Mhlanga is clearly an idiot, sometimes depicting women abuse graphically is the only way to drive the point home about how bad it is. Aside from this, rape clearly has great symbolic resonance. AS A METAPHOR, NO DISRESPECT INTENDED TO RAPE SURVIVORS.
On the cartoon: I think peoples' reaction to the cartoon is far more interesting than the cartoon itself. Here we see, a "gender and media activist" that is seemingly pro-censorship on a huge scale, and an academic completely unfamiliar with "Lady Justice".
I've yet to see a response that would impress me, like a distancing of alliance partners from the corruption trial and a respect for the law and our democracy that it holds up.
by Sandra on September 09 2008, 14:56
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Cartoonists are there to be critical and there to challenge us. I dont think that the cartoon was intended to be offensive to women in anyway, we need to look beyond the picture to understand the message..
by shi on September 09 2008, 15:02
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If anyone can depict the message of this cartoon in ANY OTHER WAY, please do so. I certainly canât imagine it to be done any better. There is an absolute and clear message in this. Câmon!
by $ on September 09 2008, 15:04
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If Jonathan had gone for a softer option, there'd be no ANC outcry, no public debate, no heightened awareness of the brazen cover up that has been floated past all of us for so long.
Keep up the brave work, do whatever it takes to keep this country honest.
by Mark on September 09 2008, 15:09
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The cartoon is justified. No-one is above the law, despite what the ANC, COSATU and the ANC youth league think.
It seems that you have to play rough to get them to understand what's right
by Braz on September 09 2008, 15:29
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At least somebody's got the guts to tell it like it is ... isn't that the real issue which ought to be debated
by Mike on September 09 2008, 15:39
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Sorry, Mark - did you say "KEEP' this country honest when you mean "TRY TO MAKE" this country honest? Just askin' . . .
by Spotter on September 09 2008, 17:04
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I am a woman and am not offended by this cartoon, so it makes me wonder which women Gender Links actually represent? Is it women who support Zuma or all South African women - there is a difference you know!
by Shella on September 09 2008, 17:52
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Zapiro was just "saying" what everybody in the country was thinking and Hello!! he wants to rape "lady" justice not a real woman. Think people think!! If this is so disgusting, Casper De Vries and Pieter Dirk Uys should get the death penalty!!
by Henry (I am an African too!!) on September 10 2008, 08:35
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The fact of the matter is, people in positions of authority are skrewing the system. Plain and simple. Nobody likes to get caught with their pants down. Sorry boys, truth hurts don't it?
by Zapiro for president on September 10 2008, 08:44
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This racist comes to our land and insult our president-in waiting who is an indigenous South African.Who the F***** does he think he is?Its about time drastic action is taken about this obnoxious idiot.His sickening views are not funny.
Please idiot,go back to where your roots are.
by Holicious on September 10 2008, 09:06
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I don't beleive that our "educated" politicians are labelling the cartoon as gender vilence, have they totally missed the point!? Justice has always been portrayed as the blind folded female holidng a scale, have these people never seen a picture of that, what with them being doctors and professors and all. This is just sad.
by Jen on September 10 2008, 10:39
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Dear Holicious ... with that limited vocab and intolerant attitude, I'm not surprised that South Africa has a problem of xenophobia.
Well done to Zapiro for getting the message of the people across. By Zuma and his cronies / allies reacting to this cartoon, it proves that they have heard what the people say (and think). Now at least they won't be able to lie their way out of this one.
THE PEOPLE SAY THAT OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IS BEING RAPED BY A CORRUPT, EMBARRASING, DISHONEST, SHAMELESS AND UNSUITABLE PERSON. IF HE WAS ANYTHING ELSE (LIKE DECENT, HONEST OR EVEN LAW-ABIDING) HE WOULD REMOVE HIMSELF FROM ANY OFFICE. CLEARLY NOT ... so thanks again Zapiro
by Gary on September 10 2008, 10:52
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The ANCâs response to this cartoon would be amusing â if it wasnât such a serious matter. For somone who wants his day in court, Zuma certainly seems to be doing his utmost to subvert the course of justice and avoid a trial.
Zuma is now trying to make a deal in which he will âspill the beansâ on the controversial arms deal. If he had the interests of the country at heart, and if he was serious about putting the country first, he would have long ago divulged this information.
Whether the truth about the arms deal will ever emerge remains to be seen, however Zuma is the subject of a criminal trial, and is doing his utmost to âwiggleâ out of the trial â so that he can attain the Presidency.
The cartoon has evoked such a widespread response as it hits the mark.
Zuma and his cronies are most certainly in the process of attempting to âpervertâ the course of justice â something that should not be allowed to happen â in the quest for the presidency. Zuma will clearly put his personal interests ahead of those of the country and the region. If allowed to ârapeâ justice â how long will it take before Zuma âscrewsâ us all?
by Lance on September 10 2008, 13:22
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Whites!
by SandZany on September 10 2008, 14:50
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The cartton merely depicts the attack on the judiciary by the ANC
by Black Man on September 10 2008, 15:55
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It not in the cave that our goverment is trying to put our justice stytem on the cornner. No, Jonathan your article was purely and iot left the message hopefully they heard. women should be protected by all days!
by sledge on September 10 2008, 17:11
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A cartoon offneds you and still a real woman gets raped every 26 seconds in this country? Have any of you complained about that?
by blackdiamond on September 11 2008, 09:06
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the fact that a cartoonist has the guts and the courage to stand up to the government and to do what most journalist are not even attepmting to do as well as the many faces and voices of the nations, says alot about this nation. this is how Zimbabwe got to where it is-no one said stood up to the corruption when it first began, stand up and fight South Africa. and well done to Zapiro- the first one to stand, shame on all of you who are hiding behind the facade of racism and womans right, put your pants or skirts on and fight for the justice of this country!youve got my vote Zapiro, bout time the government had someone challenging them...
by sarah on September 11 2008, 09:54
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Zapiro just missed it in my opinion.
In a country where if we do not vote for Zuma - South Africa (including the Justice system) is the victim.
What is happening to our democracy!!
by Nic on September 11 2008, 14:08
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It's one of those classical cartoons by the master of cartoons Jonathan Shapiro, clearly the man can articlate the issues that affect our society in his own way but thay do have a serious impact on the public. Honestly the first time i saw it i laughed but after analysing it, i felt he went a bid over board this time.
by Marvin M Malaka on September 12 2008, 09:27
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Viva Zapiro viva! if this goes to court I will be standing outside the court house singing "Zapiro wam, zapiro wam". People with clear thinking brains will appreciate this one as much as I do. Looking at this one I just can't help but worry what will become of us if this guy is made president.
by nyiko on December 19 2008, 13:23
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