Zuma cartoon in poor taste

AfriForum labelled a cartoon which contained a vulgar portrayal of the president that appeared the past weekend in a popular South African weekly as unproductive and in poor taste.

‘Although AfriForum is an advocate for freedom of speech, the advancement of a free press and freedom of artistic expression, this is a question of dignity,' said Ernst Roets, deputy chief executive of AfriForum.

AfriForum is of the opinion that controversial issues in South Africa must be approached constructively and that it does not contribute to finding a solution when other people's cultures are insulted in the process.

Roets added that the cartoonist Zapiro has enough reason to validly criticise the government and even the president, but recommended that artists evaluate the possible consequences of their work before displaying it to the public.

Statement issued by Ernst Roets, Deputy CEO: AfriForum, July 9 2012

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