An open letter to Zapiro from Sandisiwe Vilakazi
Why, Zapiro?
During any kind of disaster there is always room for criminal elements to take hold. Looting during floods, xenophobic attacks and marches is a common enough occurrence. So it is with malicious intent during times of change. South Africa is going through trying times and journalists are struggling to find their feet, place and role. The real journalists, that is.
Other elements are using this uncertainty and vulnerability to strike low blows unseen, protected by the mob think affecting journalism today. Everyone else is doing it, and so should we, it goes. Everyone is slaying Jacob Zuma and so should we.
Zapiro, your cartoon (Sunday Times, September 7 2008) depicting Zuma about to rape justice was below the belt (and the pun is not for fun). Your cartoon was a thoroughly personal attack on the man’s character.
Let me explain why, this time, even I cannot defend you.
1. You made an unfair reference to the trial in which Zuma was declared, in fact, proven innocent. The shower-head signifier is intended to identify him as that “sex shower” man in the rape case. If you dispute this, then why do you place it on Zuma’s figure every time (for example, your “Zapiro’s ANC ABC” in the Mail & Guardian on September 17 2007)? Under “Z” you had “Z is for Zuma — if he wins, we’re all f*@#&!!” Zuma is depicted there, shower-head hovering, holding a machine gun. That was freedom of expression; I let that one go.
2. You have it in for Zuma, everyone knows that. It is your freedom of expression, so I’ll let that one go too. In an interview with Koelble and Robins (2007) you said: “My unflattering portrayal of Jacob Zuma is entirely based on actual quotations of his where he has said outlandish, chauvinistic and ignorant things about Aids, women, and the rule of law, among other things. I was once an admirer of Jacob Zuma. I admired his commitment during the apartheid era, his pleasant personality, and his ability to establish rapport with people. I’m afraid that those qualities have been overshadowed by his recently displayed attitudes, his inability to control his own finances … As a cartoonist and therefore a commentator, I don’t have to hold back if I feel these things strongly, which I do. I think negative characterisation is justified.” Yes, Zapiro, it is justified in general. But …
3. You found it appropriate to use rape as the metaphor to carry your message. You thought it appropriate to liken Zuma’s legal battle to a rape scene. My issue is: Why rape, Zapiro? Of all scenarios, rape! Rape again. A very low blow, even for you.
4. I imagine that you sat and decided that in the interest of the right of South Africans to know, let me take someone’s father and depict him with his belt undone in front of a bound woman. You drew the cartoon, looked it over and felt satisfied that it would drive the message home. For those of us who are visually literate, the message was clear. Zuma was intent on forcing himself on this helpless woman held down by his accomplices (let the youth and communist leagues deal with you directly on the depiction of the accomplices, ayeye).
5. I am saddened because you have now succeeded in linking this man’s legacy to your primitive view of Africans. Your cartoon may as well have accompanied David Bullard’s article “Uncolonised Africa wouldn’t know what it was missing” (Sunday Times, April 2008).
6. At that precise moment when we the readers decoded the sign that is your cartoon, we were automatically required to make sense of the symbolism contained. We had to — if we wanted to make sense of the cartoon — refer to the underlying narrative of our South African story, which not only has the good and the bad but the very ugly too. We had to recognise our vulnerability to the brutality of hijackers, road-ragers and rapists too. At that precise moment of recognition we did not see Zuma the politician, but a brute. You know as well as I do that you had hundreds of other metaphors at your disposal, but still you chose the rape one.
You people — yes, I said it, you people — are jumping on the “let’s criticise the ANC/government bandwagon”, to which you are entitled, but not like this. We are busy marching while you are looting shops, slinging mud balls and talking nonsense.
Do not make politics so personal; at worst they are, but we do not need that right now. You are mixing issues and our Sunday paper is not your platform to be crazy and spiteful. You are not alone; Business Day has increased the size of its cartoons, and slowly but surely its cartoonist is getting bolder. I have my eye on you, sir.
Back to Zapiro. Even though Yalo’s cartoons in the Sowetan beat yours hands down in the relevance stakes (in my humble opinion), I am not advocating for your dismissal for you are still the leader of the pack. Your “Lying King” cartoon (Mail & Guardian, October 11 2007) was brilliant. Not that original, but absolutely brilliant.
I believe that satirical cartoons are an essential, if not the purest, part of media discourse. I know you know it too. You said: “I feel there is an important role for cartooning in South Africa at the moment. We as cartoonists are being taken more seriously than ever, as evidenced by Zuma’s suing me and also by the recognition of cartooning in journalism circles. Cartoons are moving off the pages of the newspapers and into radio and television debates.”
Yes, cartoons are the past and the future but bear in mind, Zapiro, that the point is to build our country. No journalist is above the news; no politician is above politics. People come and go. Let’s do our jobs and keep it moving.
I’m watching you.
And hey, Zapiro, I know this stuff. I collect these cartoons and I am currently reading for a master’s degree in journalism at Wits University.
Sandisiwe Vilakazi writes in her personal capacity
this has so got to be the first time i’ve seen someone tell it like it is, or at the very least tell it like it seems to be, to such great effect. zapiro needs a medal, not marching orders. his cartoon should be replicated, copied, distributed far and wide for no other reason than to, at best, get people to see that there are people with this perception and in so doing get them to start thinking on their own two feet, instead of waving pickets and chanting and toy-toying merely because someone made promise of some machine gun action. this country IS troubled, and the crap i hear coming out of the posse’s mouths everyday is no excuse for ignorance.
my only disappointment is that hlope isn’t in it.
The trouble with common sense is that it is not that common…. When I read some of the comments here I become afraid –truly afraid…..
Stupidity I suspect is genetic and there is little that can be done about it – but there should be no excuse for ignorance. The semi-literate ideologues who are queuing up to support Zuma at the cost of some rather important democratic principles – press freedom, freedom of expression, separation of powers and equality before the law spring to mind. Zuma has every right to pursue all legal avenues to avoid going to jail – I know I would – but reprehensible does not begin to describe the actions and utterances of clowns in the tripartite alliance who just cannot wait for 2009 to roll around so they too can wedge their little trotters in the trough of government largess.
The threat of violence and the rape of the judicial system (a commonly used metaphor – very cleverly used by Zapiro) are grave threats to this country and unfortunately highlight the ignorance and imbecility of many of his supporters. However it also highlights an important point – Zapiro’s cartoon (brilliant in my opinion) does not affect Zuma, his cheerleaders or his supporters. The bedrock of Zuma’s support base do not, or cannot read newspapers, and abstract constitutional concepts, investor confidence or South Africa’s international image are too far removed to sway their opinions.
Hi cheerleaders on the other hand have firmly attached themselves to his coat-tails in the belief (probably quite well founded) that great wealth (both ‘strategic’ placements in govt depts and of course tenders/BEE deals etc) will come their way when their man finally gets his hands on the government chequebook (or in the case of judge Hlope – a nice position on the constitutional court where the interests of the clique can be protected if there is still a legal system).
But what genuinely baffles me is why otherwise intelligent people like Ms. Vilakazi (I think I went to university – undergrad – with you Sands) would throw their weight behind someone whose very existence knocks points off the country’s credit rating. You point out that you are reading for a MA (I’m reading for a PhD – MA cum laude if you’re interested) yet you believe the salvation of this country lies with a man who has never set foot in a classroom.
We live in the information age in a globalized world and this country has to compete to succeed – do we perpetuate the ‘African model’ of incompetent corrupt government where important national decisions are based on the wrong criteria – tribal allegiance, nepotism, opportunities for graft? Or do we embrace growth, education and excellence – where the framework (judiciary etc) of a successful state is inviolate? The time for marching is over, the time for killing (and the use of the word politically) is over. Modern successful societies are created by their populations who choose not to rape, burn and murder when they disagree.
Hi Zebra, please give me a name or whether we were together in media or politics.
But to answer you, eish, you got me wrong. It’s about the cartoon not Zuma. Read some of the comments I made during the week.
If you were with me in political science, then I think you know me better than to think I’ll be in PMB tomorrow. How about an Obama to get us through this period?
MA cum laude you say? Must be Jeremy or Mark.
Zebra=Deborah?
well Spotted Sands its Jeremy – glad to see you still enjoy a debate:)… yes maybe Obama will make it all ok if he wins – either that or comrade JZ will take Sarah Palin as another wife and go live in Alaska….(Sarah Palin tried to get some books banned from the library of Wassilla when she was mayor so they both don’t like press freedom but not sure if she drinks her beer from paint tins..)
Zebra
The tone of your message sounds more like someone I know in this platform…I wonder whether that ‘z’(I’ve been seeing) in his codename… stands for Zebra.
Hmmm! With you, I can only see freedom “Black and White stripes” such a yummy recipe.
Ag! Don’t mind me; some things are too observable to be ignored.
Anyway, good luck with you PhD in Medunsa.
I am also doing ‘Master of Veterinary Science’ at James Cook University.
I, too sincerely need your wishes for my upcoming exams.
Why rape? Jeez Louise! Because the metaphor in English, “to rape an institution”, is commonplace and established. Look it up in a dictionary. Zuma calls for his machine gun and his supporters threaten to KILL to keep him from being prosecuted, and all you are worried about is a “rape” metaphor? This has nothing to do with stereotyping black people – Zapiro is merely criticizing the bad guys. Who, this time round, happen to be black. Black people can do wrong, you know.
I think the nature of thought leadership is such that at times we espouse thoughts that are ahead of their time…
I read with interest the article by Ms Vilakazi and perused the damning responses as well.
Much like i expected, when white intellect is confronted with honest, reflective thought; it retreats into the cul de sac of blunt intellectualism (deliberate oxymoron).
The letter by Ms Vilakazi is a product of thought; it is critical, analytical and complimentary in certain parts. I think the source of her disappointment has more to do with her affinity for the satirical art form and her admiration of Zapiro’s past offerings within this realm.
I too would like to go on record to say that I used to admire Zapiro: The piece he did after we lost the Cape Town Olympic Bid, with the toothless Cape Townian yelling: “Athens se ma se P%@s!” summed up the mood of the nation. I was there when Juan Alberto Samaranch announced ‘Athens’ and Zapiro’s pen lifted my mood.
But on the issue of Zuma, I believe that he has flouted the maxim of decency.
I am a consumer of media, but media exists in a context from which it cannot divorce its responsibility both as a mirror and a vault of our collective history.
There is a tendency for people who lack an understing of scholarship to think that wherever there is disagreement, there is division. Scholarship is by nature a contestation of diametrically opposed views. And this at times calls upon us to defend at the top of our voices the right of the next person to differ with us at the top of their voice.
Well done Sandisiwe; what this country is civil activism that transcends party political lines and petty bigotries. And that process begins with robust debate…
Let me end off with the words of an anonymous writer:
“First they ignore you
Then they laugh at you
Then they oppose you
…AND THEN YOU WIN!!!”
On the 13th hour of the Twelfth Day, of the Ninth Month, Judge Chris Nicholson, a vanguard of the Constitution of South Africa, delivered the verdict that;
“Fraud and corruption charges against Jacob Zuma, leader of the country’s ruling African National Congress, were invalid and said they may have been politically motivated”
I shall speak not of vindication, of victories, nor consipiracies… I intend to only leave a morsel to nourish the mind.
Articles suc as this, and the ensuing responses, leaves me thankful, in th knowledge that the spirit of debate is still an integral part of the South African social fabric.
(It must however be noted that the possession of an opinion, and an ability to type, does not neccessarily make one a skilled debater, in any breath. Now should you question what that statement infers, probability is I’m referring to you.)
That being said.
Today’s judgement is an indication to all South African’s that we should never accept any issues, as termed by another, ‘sacrosanct’, and thus beyond scrutiny, investigation and debate.
Today, a fellow peer and friend of the Judiciary, delivered judgement so incisive, all learned friends shall be fully cognisant it shall resonate right through to the corridoors of Tuynhuis…
In as far as Zapiro, and his faithful lackeys go?
I have noticed with some amusement the derision of opinions of those that took exception to the cartoon.
Stupid, Dimwit. The ingenious vocabulary continues…
I propose that the very reason that the author penned this piece, is she did get the message upon first glance. As an avid reader of Zapiro, as she has evinced, I have a fait level of confidence that she understands the satiric cadence he entertains as he flirts with that metaphoric line between satire and the great beyond…
This time however, the mark was truly overstepped… which leaves me wondering, post judgement…would Hoggard ever turn on one of his own…
We live in interesting times.
Hmmnnn … I think it’s worth just re-iterating here that Judge Chris Nicholson made it very clear in his judgement that it was based on a technical argument, and wasn’t in any way an indication of the guilt or innocence of the applicant. He also highlighted how strange it was that, in a “bilateral” crime like corruption, only Shabir Shaik had been tried in this case, and that corruption is like a cancer in our society.
His finding that there was evidence of political tampering in the whole Zuma debacle proves the judgement was impartial, which is what we would expect from an independent judiciary – and does not indicate that Zuma is blameless.
The fact that an impeccable judgement proved the judiciary to have remained independent in the face of threats of civil disturbance and violence is to the judiciary’s credit, and does not dismiss the point made by Zapiro in his cartoon.
We may be living in interesting times, but we are also living in dangerous times. When the executive of the governing tripartite alliance calls for charges against one of its members to be dropped unconditionally in advance of a judicial ruling, and the president of the ANCYL vows to “crush” any opposition to Jacob Zuma becoming president of the country, we need to be very alert. The issues raised in the cartoon remain as valid this week as they were last week.
Zapiro, I would argue, remains a bastion of free speech in very turbulent times. I support unconditionally his right to comment on the political situation as he sees it, and the right of the Sunday Times to have published the cartoon. The fact that nothing is sacrosanct plays both ways – and Zapiro unfailing claims our collective right to open discussion on the issues. That, I believe, was the whole point of the cartoon.
@Siphiwo Qangani with kangaroos
**Anyway, good luck with you PhD in Medunsa.
I am also doing ‘Master of Veterinary Science’ at James Cook University.
I, too sincerely need your wishes for my upcoming exams.**
I have always wondered about your name….
It is obvious that you are not South African and come to think of it you could only be an Australian if you are currently doing a Masters Degree of Veterinary Science at JCU – or perhaps you are just going to “borrow” one of their degrees?
Or perhaps you would care to explain further maybe?
Jay
[..]or perhaps you are just going to “borrow” one of their degrees?”
Hmmm!
I think I should just do that…Can you (at this instant) assist me in snatching this much needed ‘degree’?
[…]”It is obvious that you are not South African”[…]
Me thinks, you’ve smoked something ‘very’ strong and you need to take a break; go out and get some fresh air. It’s bit stuffy where you are.
@Siphiwo Qangani with kangaroos
Sorry my friend I must reply in the negative in all.
I do not smoke – sorry.
I am no position to help you “snatch” your much needed “degree”
Actually knowledge is power is it not? JCU in Townsville is the only campus offering a masters in any of the Veterinary disciplines – and no places will be offered until next year to foreign students – which I believe most saffers are?
Perhaps you also should give up that strong stuff you are on – or at the very least, make your prevarications non contestable perhaps?
Care to join me down on the Mall for a coffee – or…… just some fresh air?
SANDIWE VILAKAZI
SHut up. And ont ever ask Jonathan Zapiro such stupid questions.You are studying for your masters in jornalism, so what? what does that have to do with anything. Just because you’ve had enough of his cartoons doesn’t mean it’s enough for us. The man expresses himself in the way he knows best. He can draw that shower cap or a swimming pool on his head if he wants to.So please share your views with your classmaates.
Kgetsa Nkoana
Hey! Take it easy pal!!! Where does this rant coming from???
Zapiro deserves to be condemned; why should he be protected (by people like you) as if he’s an extinct animal.
He cannot wear political gloves, throw punches in the audience and be left uncondemned. If he wants to fight politics, he should join the political battle (in the battle field) amongst other politicians.
I’m saying it again, Zapiro is─ nowadays─ pale shadow of his former self.
Zapiro cartoon comes to pass?
The rape cartoon depicted the justice system being gang raped, rape being an ultimate metaphor for exercising power by the rapist.
The next act by the Zuma Cabal (that is now the people depicted as the accomplices in the cartoon} will be to make sure that the prosecution of Zuma is stopped. I guess the time is right to see the next cartoon…the actual rape. Power obtained…mission complete. The man that wanted his day in court will never see the inside of a court after that.
The new law, applicable to Jacob Zuma, will go into the statute books soon after the election…maybe before.
After the enactment of the “Zuma Law”, he will be able to rape and pillage the coffers and resources of SA for two terms. In the end, he will be able to walk away scot-free and a very rich man, able to support many more wives
Somebody needs to say something about the DA’s new logo. It bears a striking resemblance to the one Barack Obama used…the circle, the empty top half, the lines at the bottom, I mean really…the whole concept.
But who am I to discourage them from nicking it? Beg, borrow or steal a victory!
In the air is all this ‘Change we can believe in’ like Zille speaking Xhosa, Lekota Afrikaans and soon we’ll hear Zuma speaking the Khoisan language.
The Malema turn around is so, so….? welcome? lame? overdue? scripted? sincere? late?
Interesting times indeed.
i was amused by the DA logo. yes, it’s definitely a knockoff from the obama campaign.
zille speaking xhosa is nothing new, btw. she regularly gives interviews in xhosa. one of the conspiracy theories among nguni-speaking da supporters that i know is that a major reason that zuma is dragging his feet to debate zille is that she will debate in xhosa, which would be disastrous to the anc. [keep in mind that in addition to the xhosa-speaking zille, sandra botha speaks sotho as well.]
lekota is from the free state. i would be suprised if he *didn’t* speak afrikaans, actually.
i would like to see zuma speaking !nama or !kung. that would be interesting. of course, he probably can, but asking for a wife doesn’t count.
I wrote this when I was younger and rather wet behind the ears. I am certain if I were to write on the subject again, it would be a piece. I would apply my mind and build a coherent and cohesive argument instead of just stringing words together.