Mgobhozi's Zuma cartoon causes an uproar

“This is the work of President Zuma, and here is a picture of President Zuma destroying the pillars of our constitution". With these provocative words, and brandishing a cartoon by Wilson MGOBHOZI, Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Ivan Meyer (of the DA), launched a vicious attack on the country's ruling party and its president in the Western Cape legislature last week.

"This is what the ANC thinks of our constitution!” Meyer affirmed loudly, holding up the cartoon for all to see, much to the appreciation of his party fellows. [mouse over the photo to see the cartoon]

Published in March as a cover illustration for the Dispatches section in the Sunday Independent, the cartoon shows a Samson-like President Zuma, dramatically pushing apart the pillars of the constitution and threatening the very foundation of South Africa’s democracy. The Weekend Argus reports that the cartoon’s presentation created an uproar, and fueled a heated debate between the province’s opposition parties.

Meyer’s salvo followed an introduction to the debate by the DA's Mark Wiley who accused the ANC of being derelict in its duty, and having "encouraged - if not embarked upon” - a reign of criminal behaviour.

"FABRICATED PICTURES"
ANC MPL Pierre Uys questioned whether it was permissible for Meyer to initiate a debate with what he called “fabricated pictures”. But the DA MEC was undeterred, reiterating that the ANC was determined to "destroy the pillars of democracy to hide its corruption, maladministration and unethical conduct”, reports the Argus.

Meyer cited two prominent diplomats who had recently visited South Africa, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and former Irish president Mary Robinson who both warned against the erosion of democracy in South Africa. ANC MPL Mcebisi Skwatsha responded angrily with a counter attack on the DA’s own commitment to democracy. He was supported by COPE’s Mbulelo Ncedana, who called the DA’s provincial leadership into question.

This is the second instance this year (that Africartoons knows of) in which a politician has presented a cartoon in a debate to illustrate his point. Earlier this year in Parliament, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi produced a cartoon by Dov Fedler to emphasise his attack on the prevalence of greed and corruption in government.

Posted on Aug 30, 2012 by Africartoons