“Live by the sword, die by the sword” is a phrase that has adorned the lips of many South Africans following the death of AWB (Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging ) leader Eugene Terre’Blanche. As the director of a neo-Nazi unit that boasts white supremacy with the assistance of a revamped swastika, it is not really a surprise that Terre’Blanche met a violent end. What is a shock (to those with their heads in the sand) is that South Africa is no “rainbow nation” – a slogan that is forced down the throats of international audiences. The concept of truth and reconciliation is in fact a farce – racism is rife and Terre’Blanche’s bloody murder is a statement to that effect. Black and white are as polarised in the year 2010 as they were during the Apartheid years, the only difference is that there is no law prescribing discrimination. As Zapiro suggests, in spite of Terre’Blanche’s best efforts over the course of many years, all he had to do was get killed to “incite race hatred”. (more…)

Mail & Guardian Wednesday May 13

Can a leopard change its spots? Not according to Zapiro. Zuma’s infamously familiar shower-head has embedded itself in the man’s brain and in so doing has formed an integral part of his character. The shower-nozzle is a symbol of the multitude of criminal charges, ranging from rape to fraud and racketeering, and from corruption to tax evasion, which Zuma has managed to evade with stealth-like ability. The nozzle is fixed to the man’s head and is unlikely to budge even with the help of a hacksaw, file, sledgehammer, blowtorch and chainsaw. So what can remove the stain of corruption that taints the reputation of South Africa’s newly elected president? Zapiro suggests that “being truly presidential” may help the nozzle to vanish. The cartoonist’s facetious tone is emphasised by the plaque on Zuma’s desk that reads “Prez”. The sacred principles of honour, dignity and respect that encompass the role of President have been undermined by the flippant reference to Zuma as “Prez”. Zuma’s resume falls far short of the required character and aptitude essential for the successful management of a country. Interestingly, the cartoon implies that Zuma is all too aware of the necessity to compensate for his less than worthy credentials. Judging by the plasters and cartoon-cacti sprouting from his melon, it is likely that Zuma will do more damage than good in his quest to rectify his reputation. To date, president Zuma has managed to avoid the radar of Lady Justice and it is thus most certain that in his newfound position of power, accountability will be avoided with the usual money under the table technique, at the expense of the citizens of South Africa. Corruption is the name of the game and its key player is the South-African president. (more…)

Official South African election results for 2009:

ANC – 11,650,748 votes (65.90 %)
DA – 2,945,829 votes (16.66%)
COPE – 1,311,027 votes (7.42%)
IFP – 804,260 votes (4.55%)
ID – 162,915 votes (0.92%)
OTHER – 805,950 votes (4.56%)
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Total valid votes counted: 17,680,729
Number of registered voters: 23.18 million
Total population: 48 million (including 10 million under voting age)
Voter turnout: 77.3% of registered voters
Spoiled votes: 239,237
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PARLIAMENTARY SEAT ALLOCATION

ANC – 264 seats
DA – 67 seats
COPE – 30 seats
IFP – 18 seats
ID – 4 seats
UDM – 4 seats
VF PLUS – 4 seats
ACDP – 3 seats
UCDP – 2 seats
PAC – 1 seat
APC – 1 seat
AZAPO – 1 seat
MF – 1 seat

Source:defenceWEB

Many South Africans are breathing a sigh of relief. The official election results, announced on Saturday 25 April, show that the ANC narrowly missed the dreaded two-thirds majority mark – a psychological victory for opposition parties and their supporters. It is precarious for a country to be in the hands of unbridled power, especially when the ruling government boasts a history of blatant nepotism and corruption and is fronted by the kingpin of injustice. Whether the constitution is practically and consistently applied as the cornerstone of South African democracy is another matter, the point here is: the ANC cannot unilaterally change it. That’s good news and a welcome check on the left wing ideals of new president Jacob Zuma. With the world recession finally dawning on South Africa and with foreign investors being forced to pull their cash out of the country, Zuma faces the immediate challenge of ensuring the maintenance of economic stability – another momentary power check. (more…)

So the ANC is well on its way to a two thirds majority. Zapiro’s latest suggests that voters have been duped by a long line of promises headed by a snake. Satan, a.k.a the great deceiver, appeared to Adam and Eve in serpent form to convince the couple to make a choice that he knew would destroy the human race by separating them from what is good and right. (more…)

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. (more…)

This morning’s Mail & Guardian headline reads NPA drops corruption charges against Zuma. Sadly, no surprises here. Eight years into the case and two weeks before the election (22 April), the corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering charges brought against ANC leader Jacob Zuma have been dropped. Subtlety is made redundant when one boasts the support of the masses. Corruption is the status quo. (more…)