Zaprio and Freedom of Expression...

We all feel entitled to our opinion and take great pleasure in poking fun at the opinion of others, but somehow can’t handle being the victim of a joke. We want the best; we want democracy and yet get our knickers in a knot when a person uses their right to freedom of speech. What most fail to realize is that freedom of speech allows you to say offensive things about others and gives them the right to say offensive things about you. The barriers of freedom of speech and expression lie at hate speech which is characterized by propaganda to war or physical harm, contextualized to the society in question.

Activists and public figures are too, entitled to the freedom of speech and expression. It is their duty to challenge and bring vices within society to the fore. It is their duty to enlighten and inform, acting in the interest of those who are oppressed.

Zapiro is one of South Africa’s most controversial cartoonists, well-renounced for his portrayal of Zuma and his shower head following the politician’s 2006 rape charges. The cartoon that really threw Zapiro into the furnace was the one in which Zuma prepares to rape the woman who represented the justice system, assisted by the ANC, ANCYL, SACP AND COSATU.

The next up roar was created by the cartoons of Muhammad, one which depicted the prophet on the couch of a psychologist, lamenting: ‘Other prophets have followers with a sense of humor…’

At the Jozi Book Fair, Zapiro and Na’eem Jeena, an influential Muslim and former lecturer in Political Studies at Wits, lead the round table discussion about religion, politics and freedom of speech, focusing particularly on this cartoon.

Here’s a picture of Zapiro and I – he is a very sweet man with a gentle nature.

Zapiro started out by saying that he is making use of the space that democracy brought to push controversial issues as far as possible. His cartoons, particularly the religious type, are met with great animosity, especially from religious heads. He emphasized how those whose beliefs are questioned have no right to lay transgression upon people who don’t share their beliefs and who also have the right to their own opinion, based on what they know.

To quote Na’eem: ‘Religious people should defend their beliefs – by teaching people and helping to create an environment of understanding, compassion and solidarity.’ I could not agree more. How can we expect people to understand what they don’t know?

Na’eem Jeena spoke after Zapiro, reflecting on the article in which he disagreed with Zapiro observation. ‘We know how to laugh as much as anyone else. The presence (and success) within our community of comedians such as Joey Rasdien and Riaah Moosa is testimony to this. That they often perform for Muslim audiences and constantly poke fun at Muslims as well as Islamic rituals and practice provides ample evidence.’

However Na’eem acknowledged that some Muslims overreacted. ‘Some South African Muslims went out of their way to validate his contention that we are a humorless bunch. It is a great pity.’ He pointed out that a cartoon of this sort is in no way Islamophobic and that ‘cartoonists have an important role to play in creating understanding and Zapiro’s cartoon has moved us to try and understand better who Muhammad was and why he would be unhappy at humorless, unsmiling and hateful followers.’

Reality is unfortunate. Religion and politics, virtuous in their own right, have always led to intolerance and segregation, a result of in-born human flaws. Each believes his own is right, and is entitled to. But there is no excuse for depriving a person of their right to their own views and the freedom to express them, not to mention pushing the boundaries and engaging in hate speech.

Indeed, the more criticism and opinion we can squeeze out of society, the stronger we are to deal with and eradicate hate speech, so as to uphold the standards of our constitution.

My little heaven - The Jozi Book Fair

The Jozi Book fair definitely exceeded my expectations. The niche vibe of fellow writers, readers and publishes exhibiting their work was unbelievable. There is immeasurable talent out there and many appluadable initiatives running, all with the objective of creating a literate society. Most certainly, words well spoken and the understanding gained through reading are the most powerful weapons in fighting oppression, which is sadly still a reality in our democracy.

This is Joburg’s second annual Book Fair, organized by Khnaya College and hosted by Museum Africa. The overall aim of this event is to provide readers, upcoming writers and publishes with a platform from which to exhibit their aspirations and gain new contacts within the industry. Visitors could freely participate in a variety of round table discussions, book launches, workshops and readings – all for a mere R10 entrance fee!

I found the ‘Writers Guide to Reading’ workshop, conducted by the charming Richard Benyon (the current script writer on the Rhythm City set) and Jo-Ann Richards (who is writer and lecturer at the Wits Department of Journalism). Their topic of discussion revolved around the current trend in the sale of books, where non-fiction sells a lot better than fiction. Richard started his line of thought by pointing out that, as we enter into a new era of entertainment and information technology, reading is no longer done for pleasure but rather for ‘self improvement’ so to speak. And it’s is true, people see non-fiction as educational and enhancing, precise and factual. But why are emotions, portrayed in fictional tales, considered to be ‘non-factual’? In all truth, the reality that people can relate to the emotions depicted in novels, gives this genre an equal element of factualness, and shows how its significance is being undermined. As Jo-Ann pointed out, how factual is history without the emotions of the persons who lived it?

This leads us to the flip side of the coin, which was snubbed during the workshop. One must not undermine the power of a well written story. A great book takes you out of this world and into the book. This in itself can mislead certain individuals (especially young woman) by intoxicating their vulnerable minds with ideals that humans and this world can not satisfy. A classic example of this is the hugely popular Twilight Saga which has captivated readers’ world wide with the sub-real protocol of vampires. The blood-sucking hero is strong enough to suppress his fateful apatite and protect his fragile human lover from the evil of his kind. The underworld is falsely represented which subconsciously attracts readers to those who have a questionable character and intentions.

It is true though, people in general don’t read unless the book is substantial and beneficial. I can attest to this – over the last year I have not read one light-hearted fiction. It’s not that I don’t want to but when I do make time for a book, it’s not for entertainment. It just goes to show how our innovative life styles have stamped out those simple pleasures, one of which is a delightful story book!

The exhibition itself was just as amazing. A whole floor of stalls, separated by hessian clothe was packed with the most interesting books, interesting people and publishers who are giving so many talented South Africans a voice. Each stall holder had a story to tell and took a personal interest in their guests.

There were two exhibitors who really caught my attention. The first was the Reunited Siblings, an independent publisher dedicate to making reading more socially accepted and available. I met the lovely Wesley Peppers, a talented artist who illustrates their compilation of poems written by all sorts of South Africans. His drawings fuel the poetry and the book is perfect for display on a coffee table.

Khanya Collage displayed a selection of their ‘Journals for Activists’ which address a variety of issues relevant to building a stronger nation. They are getting stuck into many initiatives, aimed at assembling communities with knowledge and skills so that they can sustain themselves, organize and fight. I bought the July 2010 issue entitled Publishing In Times of Crisis. I can’t wait to dive in!

Let’s all carry on writing, carry on reading and carry on publishing. This is what it takes to empower a nation!

An African Irony!

Who ever thought that Zimbabwe, the biggest flop in Africa, could have an education system that puts South Africa’s (ironically the most developed country on the continent) to shame? I certainly did not…

In his book To the Brink, well renounced public intellectual Xolela Mangcu comments on the state of democracy in South Africa. In the chapter discussing our countries pathetic attempt to negotiate with Zimbabwe and speak out against their backward policy, Xolela points out that under Mugabe’s radical leadership, a highly educated nation emerged. Before gaining independence from British rule, the majority of Zimbabweans were only offered a pitiful primary school education. The state and missions who sponsored these schools were unable to afford the resources pumped into private ‘Group A’ schools, which were reserved for the white elite.

Naturally, extreme political and economic instability have negatively affected this superior system of education, particularly when sanctions were imposed, immobilizing many teachers and students. Mugabe sorrowfully acknowledged this down fall, stating that: ‘Quite a number of children have dropped out of school and it pains us because we developed our system to a level that was admired by many in Africa, if not the world.’

Pertunia Togara, a fellow student and friend of mine, is admired by peers and teachers alike for her quick mind and razor sharp intellect. Her marks in Mathematics and Physics shoot way above the majority. Having moved from Zimbabwe to South Africa in 2009, her incredible ability depicts the still high standards of Zimbabwean education. She very sweetly agreed to answer these questions, which are bound to astonish!

Comparing your experiences in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, where would you regard the education as being better?

Zimbabwe is way better. Most schools have a 100% pass rate.

What main factor makes Zimbabwean schools superior?

The syllabus and exams are up to strict British standards but national exams are a lot harder than British exams. They are very strict, no cell phones or ear sets are allowed, in both public and private schools.

How many schools, private and public did you attend in Zimbabwe?

I attended 2 private schools (Lusitania and Arundel) and five public schools.

Describe the basic structure of the Zimbabwean education system.

Seven years are spent in primary schools and six years on secondary school and then university.

What disciplinary system is used in Zimbabwean schools?

In primary schools you are beaten (but not hurt) with sticks on you hand or bum. When I was 13 years old I forgot to do homework and got 5 beatings for the five sums. In secondary school its just detention.

What makes the teachers in Zimbabwe different to those in South Africa?

Teachers have to put in as much effort as they can and teach their best. If not, they can easily loose their job to another qualified teacher.

Are teachers diligent in preparing lessons, making them interesting and using the time they have to the full?

Yes they put in a lot of effort.

Are teachers willing to help students after schools hours?

Yes, and there are also weekend lessons for diligent pupils.

Do teachers belong to a trade union? How frequently do strikes occur?

Yes, but strikes are not very frequent.

What subjects are compulsory to high school students?

Mathematics, English, Physical Science and Geography. In physics, periodic tables are only allowed in exams and not class tests.

Do students have the option of taking either maths or maths literacy?

No, it is just pure maths. Calculators are only used at high school for accounting and mental work. In primary schools it’s all mental work.

Is state education free for all? If not, how are the poor looked after in terms of education?

No, but there is a program at schools where poor peoples fees are paid by the government but the standard pf education in the rural areas is the some as standards in urban areas.

Overall, are the Zimbabwean youth respectful and studious or are they arrogant and rebellious?

Respectful and studious. They were brought up very strictly.

What types of extra murals are offered in Zimbabwean schools?

A wide variety, mostly common sports and games like tennis, soccer, hockey basketball, swimming, chess and Olympiads.

Are school grounds neat and well kept?

Yes, there are class duties at some schools.

Which typical teenage problems affect Zimbabwean youth most severely?

Depression- not coping with school work. Drugs don’t really exist in Zimbabwe.

How common are teenage pregnancies amongst the youth?

Not common in urban areas but quite common in rural areas.

Are students taught about HIV and AIDS in school? Are they fully aware of the dangers?

Yes.

Do students often talk about politics and current affairs amongst themselves at school? Has this ever resulted in conflict?

One can talk about politics and current affairs that do not include the ‘bad president’. Some people want him to resign and others do not, which can create conflict.

In government schools, what is the typical ratio between the proportions of different races?

Asians : Blacks : White

1 : 10 : 1

In private schools, what is the typical ratio between the different races?

Asians : Black : Whites

1 : 5 : 2

What is the major difference between private and public schools in Zimbabwe?

Private schools have better facilities and resources; they are about three times as expensive as public schools.

After school, do students prefer attending university in South Africa or Zimbabwe?

Most prefer Zimbabwe but some also prefer South Africa. Because most schools have a 100% pass rate, a lot go to study in the UK or USA.

Are students religious? What is the most common religion?

Yes, most schools are headed by churches and Christianity is the most common.

What is the biggest of Zimbabwean schools?

Competition and a lot of work which leads to depression.

Where in Zimbabwe did you stay? How would you describe the overall standard of living of the area?

Greendale, Harare North. High standard of living.

Have you ever witnessed political instability in Zimbabwe, particularly during the last election?

You see it a lot on TV but there was more violence in the rural areas.

What are your best and worst memories of Zimbabwe?

The best was going to the Victoria Falls and the worst was when sanctions were imposed.

How do shops in Zimbabwe compare to those in SA? Are the shelves in Zimbabwe really empty?

There are fewer malls in Zimbabwe and more hypermarkets. Shelves were almost empty when sanctions started.

What is the most common form of public transport in Zimbabwe? Are these services reliable?

Buses and taxis. Public transport is more common than personal cars.

In what way has xenophobia changed Zimbabweans view of South Africa?

They are not very critical and understand that these things happen.