The painting of President Jacob Zuma by Ayanda Mabulu.(SABC)
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The African Diaspora Forum has strongly condemned a painting by artist, Ayanda Mabulu, depicting President Jacob Zuma with exposed genitals, saying that it undermines African leaders. The artwork called “Umshini Wam” (Weapon of Mass Destruction) forms part of an exhibition at the AVA gallery in
The Forum’s Vice Chair, Jean-Pierre A. Lukamba says: "We condemn strongly those kind of inhuman practise to undermine our African Leaders. Whatever President Jacob Zuma can be doing he can't be portrayed like that, because here in
Lukamba says by painting the President of a democratic country like
"That guy must be arrested and brought before the court for abusing the President’s right to human dignity and for undermining the dignity of African culture. This is not about South Africa only; it’s a threat to our dignity and identity as African people," says Lukamba.
Mabulu said the painting is meant as a question to the President as to why he is dancing while his people are suffering.
The painting portrays Zuma dancing in traditional Zulu garb, with his right leg lifted, exposing his manhood.
Yesterday, Mabulu said his painting of Zuma does not show disrespect. Mabulu said the painting is meant as a question to the President as to why he is dancing while his people are suffering. Mabulu said if viewed from an African perspective, the painting is neither pornographic nor disrespectful.
Earlier this year, the ANC reached an agreement with the Goodman Gallery in
