Constant Flux

Zapiro sure has done it this time. I can understand that the ANC is livid, but why is Michael Trapido disappointed?

Personally, I fully support the man’s right to express exactly what I’ve been thinking, and I’m not the only one.

Source: Sunday Times (Via Irreverence)

UPDATE (8 Sep): The ANC, SACP and ANCYL are calling the cartoon an abuse of press freedom. They want Sunday Times editor Mondli Makhanya to resign, calling her him* a “ranting dictator who finds joy in manipulating the truth”. They also want Zapiro to be “reminded of the basic tenets of press freedom for which insult and defamation are not counted amongst them”.

Now this makes me absolutely furious. I say that if the right to insult isn’t among the basic tenets of press freedom, then by the constitution, it should be! Furthermore, how can you say on the one hand that Zapiro shouldn’t insult and defame, and on the other hand call Makhanya a dictator who enjoys perverting the truth? That isn’t defamation?

Oh no. What Zapiro is saying needs to be said. Even if it’s insulting. Even if it’s insensitive. This is what freedom of the press was meant for.

Nobody is above the law. Not even the future president. Especially not the future president.

This is not just a fight for the integrity of the law and the constitution. This is a fight for the soul of this country.

*Note to self. Always, always Google the people involved.

UPDATE (9 Sep): Zapiro is receiving a lot of grassroots support. Today Jonathan Berger spoke in Zapiro’s defense. (NOTE: As it says in the comments, Jonathan spoke from his personal capacity, and not as a representative of the AIDS Law Project.) Saul Kropman (not Krotman or Grotman) also supports Zapiro.

You can download an interview with Zapiro about the cartoon. (Via Nothing to do in Joburg besides…)

UPDATE (10 Sep): The Freedom of Expression Institute is defending Zapiro, saying that he did not cross the line, even though the cartoon is highly provocative. (Via East Coast Radio Newswatch)

I’ve never heard of these guys before, but could they possibly be a local version of the EFF?

UPDATE (11 Sep): Ferial Haffajee, editor of the Mail and Guardian, today posted what I think is the most accurate analysis of the issue yet. It is well worth reading.

ANCYL members are threatening to make war if Zuma is prosecuted. They’ve also threatened Zapiro’s life. This is not democracy. This is terrorism.

UPDATE (12 Sep): Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Zapiro, the magnificent! Bless His Satirical Name.

And as an encore, I present you Roy Blumenthal, the eternal anarchist optimist! This is the future we want.

I will not tolerate evil. I will not give in to fear, uncertainty and doubt. I will not give the sanction of the victim! I deny nothing. I was I!**

**Roy tried to protect me by not mentioning my surname. However, it would be dishonest of me to distance myself from this.

UPDATE (12 Sep): Zuma won. It’s a conspiracy!

There may be hope yet. This ruling does not mean that Zuma is innocent, just that the State didn’t follow procedure in prosecuting him.

According to Professor Managay Reddi nothing would prevent charges from being reinstituted against Zuma.

I started out fairly ignorant on this topic, but Zapiro got me to pay attention. He has the right, and the responsibility, to use his voice. (Especially when it makes me laugh out loud.)

The attempt of the alliance members to influence the decision with threats of violence is an act of terrorism. Similarly, it would be a serious miscarriage of justice if Zuma does not eventually get prosecuted.

However, I don’t think that Judge Nicholson’s ruling today was a perversion of justice. The law is impartial. The rules of prosecution must be followed, even for Zuma.

UPDATE (25 Sep): You can find more information on the reactions to the Zapiro cartoons on his website.