Zuma portrait: Marius Fransman must apologize for hateful statements

The Democratic Alliance calls on ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman to apologize for hateful statements made about Ayanda Mabulu, the artist who painted the latest Zuma portrait.

Should Mr Fransman fail to do so, we will consider further action through either the Human Rights Commission or Equality Court.

Writing in the Cape Times, Mr Fransman called Mr Mabulu a "house slave" for doing the "dirty work of his master".

This latest racist tirade by Marius Fransman is not only hateful toward Mr Mabulu, but also shows total disregard for the right to freedom of expression.

Given South Africa's hurtful and discriminatory past, Mr Fransman needs to realize that he can't spew hate and vitriol wherever he goes in this province.

Mr Mabulu is a free-thinking man who is going about the business of being an artist.

Mr Fransman, on the other hand, is intent on racially insulting anyone who doesn't share the narrow racial nationalist thinking of the ANC.

We have a responsibility to protect the artistic community's right to freedom of expression. We trust that Mr Fransman will see the error in his ways and apologize, or face further action.

Statement issued by Theuns Botha, DA Western Cape leader, August 30 2012

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