Easter gets political

There is one thing that cannot be refuted when it comes to Zapiro: the man certainly pulls no punches. As I browsed the Mail & Guardian this morning, I was sickeningly elated to discover Zapiro’s latest comment. If there ever was a point to be made about last week’s announcement that the corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering charges brought against ANC leader Jacob Zuma have been dropped, it is boldly blasted in this week’s cartoon. Justice has been crucified by the very hands of those meant to uphold her values. Whilst National Prosecution Authority director Mokotedi Mpshe washes his hands of the matter, with the same water that Zuma used to wash the HIV from his loins, both ‘Mbeki-ites’ and ‘Zuma-ites’ bang the nails into the hands and feet of Justice. I applaud the Mail & Guardian for publishing such a politically (and personally) blasphemous comment. Sitting in my London office viewing Zapiro’s latest, I had my screen minimised and I was still was on the lookout for roaming eyes. I am of the firm belief that the London newspapers would have had one of the million regulatory authorities up their asses, never mind on their doorsteps, for publishing such a cartoon. Zapiro has undoubtedly crucified the notion of the Politically Correct – a true representation of freedom of expression. I await, with interest, the repercussions and back-lash.

Although the death of Justice in South Africa is a disheartening tragedy, the cartoon’s Easter metaphor provides hope. Easter is the celebration of The Passion of Jesus Christ, who came down from heaven to earth to save humanity from their sins and ensure eternal life for all who repent and follow Him. He died but rose again. He lives. It will not take Justice three days to prevail but ultimately, perhaps she will triumph. Perhaps Justice will rise again. Just as Jesus saved the world perhaps Justice can save South Africa. If the murderers of Justice repent, perhaps she will show mercy. Here’s to hoping!

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