As one does.

Ironically, the photo comes from the Wall Street Journal.

As is the case with many powerful figures, Jacob Zuma doesn’t take kindly to being lampooned. (I have already explained how leaders can easily avoid being mocked; the trick lies in not saying or doing stupid things.)

The Goodman Gallery, in Johannesburg, is exhibiting a (now sold) painting, by Brett Murray, depicting the president and, more specifically, his (rather impressive) junk. The crappy piece of modern art is part of a satirical series called “Hail To The Thief”.

The ruling party is less than thrilled. Says a very outraged ANC spokesman, Jackson Mthembu:

“We have this morning [Thursday] instructed our lawyers to approach our courts to compel [them] to remove the portrait from display as well as from their website and destroy all printed promotional material.” [via]

Respect is earned and not granted by default. I will not respect someone simply because he or she is in a position of authority. Furthermore, freedom of expression is paramount in a democracy, and the context of Brett’s commentary is obvious; you don’t have to be a showering polygamist to figure it out.

If Jacob Zuma showed respect for South Africans, then South Africans would show respect for Jacob Zuma.

And his (rather impressive) junk.

Update

The painting was sold for just under R140000. Brett Murray must love Jacob Zuma, right now.

It is remarkable, albeit expected, that the ANC has decided to appeal the High Court’s etolling suspension, despite SANRAL’s decision not to appeal (following its CEO’s resignation).

Cabinet spokesman Jimmy Manyi said the cabinet had decided to appeal the interim order by the Pretoria High Court last month. Manyi said the government would “pull out everything” to ensure that the SA National Roads Agency paid its R20-billion debt. [via]

With the ANC’s blind determination to make South Africans pay more, you’re left wondering “What’s in it for the ANC?…”.

This cartoon follows on from yesterday’s one (under which there are some great comments).