When your cartoon uses the imagery of rape you know things are going to kick off, especially given the fact that we live in a country that many describe as the rape capital of the world.

Zapiro has never shied away from controversy, which is why he has cemented his place as South Africa’s leading satirical cartoonist, but his effort yesterday has sparked outrage.

Over on the Daily Maverick, it’s simply titled “She’s All Yours, Boss!”:

In case you’re struggling to make sense of it, News24 offers this:

It depicts President Jacob Zuma zipping up his trousers as one of the Gupta brothers gets ready to “rape” South Africa, depicted as a woman, with State Security Minister David Mahlobo, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini and The New Age editor Moegsien Williams holding her down.

Yeah, he’s not holding back on this one. He knew that there would be a backlash, too, especially since a similar cartoon back in 2008 proved divisive:

Zapiro says it wasn’t a decision he took lightly:

“Everything I was trying to say about Jacob Zuma, and the way that he operates, the way he became president by riding roughshod over the justice system, has come true”…

“I think the original cartoon over which he sued me for four years but had to drop, holds absolutely true, and I feel now that it’s reached a point where so many other people are saying similar things.

“I felt it was now time to take it one step further, and show that it’s not the justice system that has been affected, but the whole country, and he has invited other people to get involved in state capture.”

When asked how he felt about its sensitivity towards rape victims and survivors, Zapiro said the drawing itself was a metaphor that applies to all South Africans.

“I really didn’t think I’d actually have to revisit the theme at all. It’s not as if I want to draw this sort of thing,” he said.

“It isn’t actually graphic, in the sense that it does everything by suggestion, and nothing by being lewd or overly graphic.

“I would also challenge people to look at the cartoon and see who they empathise with.

“Do they empathise with any of the perpetrators holding the metaphorical person down, that is South Africa, or do they empathise with the metaphorical person?

“There’s nothing in the drawing that enjoys or revels in the idea of rape or gang rape.”

Despite his rationale, social media hasn’t taken very kindly to the cartoon. Some reactions from IOL:

One thing is for sure, it has set tongues wagging.

[sources:dailymaverick&news24&iol]