Zuma Goes for an Aids Test

THIS FUNNY CARTOON by Jerm tackles a very serious subject: the presidential line on HIV Aids under Thabo Mbeki and his ultimate successor, Jacob Zuma. In the first frame Jerm alludes to Mbeki's denialism, and more specifically Mbeki's infamous claim that he personally did not know any person who had HIV/Aids.

The cartoon's punchline suggests that in spite of recent efforts to shake the reputation that he is either ignorant, or at least irresponsible, on matters regarding the prevention of Aids, President Zuma has some way to go to convince many observers that he has indeed changed from the person who infamously suggested that taking a shower might minimise the chance of contracting the virus.

An impressive turnaround in government policy and delivery of Aids treatment and condoms, and the incumbent president's public announcement of his own recent test results have been offset by his continued extramarital  promiscuity, and failure to use the very condoms he is promoting.