Ironically, the photo comes from the Wall Street Journal.

The Goodman Gallery, in Johannesburg, is exhibiting a (now sold) painting, by Brett Murray, depicting the president and, more specifically, his (rather impressive) junk. The crappy piece of modern art is part of a satirical series called “Hail To The Thief”.

The ruling party is less than thrilled. Says a very outraged ANC spokesman, Jackson Mthembu:

“We have this morning [Thursday] instructed our lawyers to approach our courts to compel [them] to remove the portrait from display as well as from their website and destroy all printed promotional material.” [via]

Respect is earned and not granted by default. I will not respect someone simply because he or she is in a position of authority. Furthermore, freedom of expression is paramount in a democracy, and the context of Brett’s commentary is obvious; you don’t have to be a showering polygamist to figure it out.

If Jacob Zuma showed respect for South Africans, then South Africans would show respect for Jacob Zuma.

And his (rather impressive) junk.

Update

The painting was sold for just under R140000. Brett Murray must love Jacob Zuma, right now.

It is remarkable, albeit expected, that the ANC has decided to appeal the High Court’s etolling suspension, despite SANRAL’s decision not to appeal (following its CEO’s resignation).

Cabinet spokesman Jimmy Manyi said the cabinet had decided to appeal the interim order by the Pretoria High Court last month. Manyi said the government would “pull out everything” to ensure that the SA National Roads Agency paid its R20-billion debt. [via]

With the ANC’s blind determination to make South Africans pay more, you’re left wondering “What’s in it for the ANC?…”.

I think I need some fresh air.

The demand on natural resources has become unsustainable and is putting “tremendous” pressure on the planet’s biodiversity, the body said. “We are using 50 percent more resources that the Earth can sustainably produce and unless we change course, that number will grow fast – by 2030 even two planets will not be enough.”

Do you feel scared yet? If not, then you should. Because that is the purpose of scaremongering.

Furthermore, our exhaustive usage of the word “sustainable” is becoming unsustainable. In other words, we must conserve words, particularly adjectives that are not sustainable. XKCD scarily illustrates the status quo:

The copy reads as follows:

Set sail for warmer seas with this prime luxury construction a stones throw from Clifton 1st Beach. Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic vista on its 50sqm deck which provides an entertainment area of international standards. You will be the envy of the neighborhood with the rustic open plan kitchen boasting capacity to cater for up to forty guests.

This overnight development, courtesy of a Taiwanese business consortium, features a state-of-the-art ‘Aqua Force’ system which promises to sweep all criminals away.

Let the boys enjoy rum and cigars in the ‘Captain’s Cabin’, the penthouse diamond on the fourth story. When the day is done why not drop anchor in one of the cozy bunk rooms which feature quint porthole windows with magnificent undersea views. In the morning, hoist the sails and drop the kids off at Camps Bay High School before reeling in the outboard nets for the catch-of-the-day.

Includes 28 stay-at-home sushi chefs.

MUST GO SOON – DUE TO MUCH ATTENTION ONLY SERIOUS OFFERS CONSIDERED!

Please phone 084 776 9773

If such coastal living interests you, then be sure to check out the rest of the photos.

All things considered, it is a bargain.

My mother is a superhero, and she doesn’t even need a spandex outfit and mask.

Her superpower is, well, being my mother.