Press regulatory body hasn't received formal complaint

9 Sep 2008

NEWSWATCH: The ANC hasn't lodged a complaint with the press ombudsman against the controversial cartoon by cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro also known as Zapiro, says Raymond Louw is a member of the council of the South African National Editors Forum.

On 7 September 2008 the Sunday Times published the much talked about cartoon with Zapiro's signature showing a blindfolded female figure labelled the ‘justice system', being pinned down by Zuma's political allies.

The president of the ANC is depicted in the cartoon unzipping his pants, urged on by ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe to ‘Go for it boss'. While the president of the ANC youth league Julius Malema, and alliance leaders Zwelinzima Vavi and Blade Nzimande urges him.

“I have seen media reports that the ANC is not happy with the cartoon that the Sunday Times published this past Sunday. But, I haven't seen a formal complaint from the ANC or any of the alliance parties. This gives the ANC an opportunity to lodge a complaint-and test the abilities of the media self regulation and the self regulatory body, says Louw.

“The press ombudsman was established to deal with press misdemeanour, ethical and professional lapses based on the based on constitutional principles. If they are not happy with the ruling and believe that the ombudsman hasn't resolved the issue amicably they can then take the matter to the press appeal council; that is chaired by a retired of the Supreme Court judge Ralph Zulman,” adds Louw.

From a marketers point of view

According Chris Moerdyk Bizcommunity.com' columnist, “the ANC has blown the matter out of proportion. There wouldn't have been so much talk about the cartoon had the ANC chose to ignore it.”

“Too often in South Africa, politicians and business have a habit of overreacting to the media. ANC caused more damage than good. The Sunday Times chose to publish the cartoon; what the ANC can do now is to ether take legal action or ignore the matter. The media is getting used to politicians making noise and not taking any action afterwards,” says Moerdyk.

For more: