Let there be logic (and freedom of speech)

Thank goodness some sense prevails in South Africa. The South African Appeals Court has overturned a high court ruling dismissing corruption charges against Jacob Zuma, the president of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). In effect this means that charges against Zuma can, and might well, go ahead.

Ironically, in a rally last week Zuma announced that his party would clamp down on corruption. One hardly needs cartoons to see how ludicrous such a public announcement is, coming from him. But cartoons there have been, and cartoons there will be as this strange-but-true story unfolds in the ever dynamic South African political landscape.

Zapiro's controversial cartoon on Zuma and the Independent Judiciary (see the Zapiro website) continues to cause a great deal of debate. On Facebook where he has a huge following someone wrote today:

"As long as Zapiro is in our beloved country's newspapers I know that democracy and freedom of speech are alive and kicking in South Africa, keep it up!"

. The cartoon, and the role of the judiciary, continues to be debated on public fora, in newspapers, on the radio and at dinner tables not only around South Africa but abroad. I have heard debate on Zuma and Mbeki and the judiciary centred around the controversial cartoon here in Sydney. Zapiro is currently being charged by Jacob Zuma for defamation...

I wait with baited breath as the elections in South Africa draw close. Who knows what the next few years hold, but about one thing I am sure: South Africa remains one of the most resourceful, innovative and dynamic places I have known, and it's political stage is one of the most colourful and fascinating of the moment.