Zuma's son slams Ayanda Mabulu painting
President Jacob Zuma's son has lashed out at the painting by artist Ayanda Mabulu, saying it is an insult to his family and the country.
The painting by Mabulu entitled 'The Pornography of Power' depicts Zuma's genitals and the so-called rape of the country.
In the letter, Edward Zuma says all South Africans should condemn the painting and it should have been published for public consumption.
Read the letter below.
I have decided to make this public statement following calls and messages from family members, relatives, friends and ordinary members of society in reaction to graphic images purporting to be artwork produced by Ayanda Mabulu.
Over the past three years, as the family we have endured humiliation that cannot be described as result of pornographic material aimed at tarnishing the image of my father and the president of the ANC and the Republic of South Africa J.G Zuma.
We fail as the family to understand why the media is allowed to publish images that are clearly not for public consumption. Having nude photos of our parent published in the newspapers under the guise of the Freedom of Speech is the worst form of the abuse of democracy that many of our leaders fought so hard to achieve.
Our father has been on record promoting strong, honest and regular engagement with the people of this country at all levels. He has encouraged leaders of society to have open debate in order to strengthen our democracy and ensure the participation of the people of this country including minorities in the programme of service delivery championed by the ANC-led government.
Our father has never used force to silence his critics.
Instead, he has worked very hard over the years for the normalization of political discourse at all levels of leadership. Those who have interacted with him over the years will recall how he brought warring political parties together, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, encouraging them to learn to accept elections not as a deadly contest but as a health competition of ideas that offers our people the best form of solutions to their problems.
He has always been the champion of freedom and democracy often spending time away from his family as a sign of his selflessness. It is true that this country is facing many challenges but to say our father is raping and molesting the country is not only an insult to us as the family but to the whole country.
Using images of a woman being raped and using f….k word to make a political statement is mind boggling and this should be condemned by all South Africans. As the country we need to work together and be tolerant. We must remember that the constitution protects all persons.
Our constitution further notes that there isn’t any right that is absolute and therefore in the spirit of engagement, a point of view must be balanced with utmost respect of the other person’s dignity.
I have confidence in the art industry and I am encouraged by the artists who have distanced themselves from the pornography of Ayanda Mabulu.
I am calling upon all artists to personal take responsibility to use their craft to consolidate the pace of building the foundation of a strong and vibrant nation where all of us can be proud to live together as citizens.
My message to Ayanda Mabulu is that President J.G Zuma is a parent and one is prepared to even defend him physically if need be.
Click here to see the painting. WARNING: extremely graphic content.