South Africa: Newspaper drops controversial image of president from website

30 May 12 | Africa, Digital Freedom, Index Index, minipost

The website of a South African newspaper has been forced to remove an image of a controversial painting of President Jacob Zuma.  City Press newspaper were put under pressure from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) who called for the website to be boycotted until the “insulting portrait” was removed. The image, which shows the president with his genitals exposed and is entitled The Spear, appeared as part of a satirical art exhibition at a gallery in Johannesburg, and has caused massive controversy, leading to Zuma taking legal action to have the portrait removed.

South Africa: Jacob Zuma painting vandalised in gallery

28 May 12 | Africa, Index Index, minipost

A controversial painting depicting South African president Jacob Zuma exposing his genitals has been vandalised at the Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg. The image, which has prompted Zuma to take legal action to have it removed from the gallery, has been covered in black and red paint. The painting — entitled The Spear — by provocative artist Brett Murray, has already been sold for $14,000 (£9,000). The vandals claimed the the painting is “disrespectful to President Zuma”.

South Africa: Jacob Zuma goes to court over painting depicting his genitals

22 May 12 | Africa, Index Index, minipost

South Africa’s president is taking legal action after the showing of a painting displaying his genitals. Jacob Zuma is arguing that the painting of him by artist Brett Murray should be removed because it violates his right to dignity and makes a mockery of his office. The piece, entitled The Spear, is currently displayed in the  Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg. Zuma claims that the piece portrays him as “a philanderer, a womaniser and one with no respect”. The African National Congress (ANC) has said the piece presents a crude stereotype of African male sexuality.