'Freedom of expression cannot be an excuse for defaming the president's character.'
And not only insults to President Jacob Zuma, insults to all future presidents should be banned, as the South African Communist Party in KwaZulu-Natal has said. Most of the time it is without facts, so his name is unfairly dragged through the mud. He may be a public figure, but that does not mean he should be subject to insults such as The Spear painting or the presentation of him as a rapist by cartoonist Zapiro.
Some, such as ANC rejects Floyd Shivambu and Julius Malema, have gone on to make the outrageous claim that he marries every year. Ridiculous! In all this, the president has remained calm.
Freedom of expression cannot be an excuse for defaming the president's character. Criticise him on facts, but do not stoop to insults. – Kwazi Mthembu, Naledi