Whilst we were there the (now ex-) Vice President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma was hitting the headlines over numerous allegations of sleaze (see my cartoons on this here). After our return he was also charged (and remarkably, acquitted) of the rape of a 31-year old HIV+ family friend. Anyway, it now turns out that Zuma is sueing Zapiro (along with a number of newspapers, editors, reporters, radio stations and publishers). Zapiro is being sued by Zuma for three cartoons he thinks that “injured [Zuma] in his dignity and his reputation”.

Zapiro’s response:

“What reputation? He has done everything that needs to be done to damage his own reputation,” said Shapiro.

“What I feel — and I really do see this as a publicity stunt — [is that] he’s obviously trying to find ways to ameliorate the damage he himself has caused. He’s obviously caused a lot of damage to himself in and out of court … This is spin. I don’t think it’s going to go far.”

Anyway, here’s hoping Jonathon comes through this OK… doesn’t look like Zuma’s got a leg to stand on.

Here’s some of my pics from the show:

In the meantime, I nearly had an interview on BBC4 News, but they changed the date from Thursday to Friday, and I won’t be around. Should be a spot with a couple of the other cartoonists on Friday night though…

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,266-1878984,00.html

The Exhibition is at the Diorama Arts Centre, 34 Osnaburgh Street, London NW1 3ND
Open 24 November – 2 December 2005, 1000 – 2200

also, there’s a selection of work at the Royal Commonwealth Society, Commonwealth Club, 25 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP
Open 24 November – 2 December 2005, 1000 – 1800 Monday – Friday
For groups of three or more, please call 020 7766 9200 for advance booking.

Hope to see you there!

Also, I’m probably going to be moving studios in the next month or so. Again, more details when things are finalised.

Firstly, the big news, the Transatlantink exhibition (as the fruits of our South Africa trip are now called) opened yesterday in Johannesburg. See the details here.

In case you’re passing through Jo’berg in the next month or so, the exhibition runs 9am-5pm daily (except Mondays) at Museum Africa, 121 Bree Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa, from Wednesday 25 May to Friday 24 June 2005. Free entry!

Also, Lou McKeever (one of the British party), who is currently over in SA for the opening, was interviewed for BBC Radio 4′s PM programme yesterday. I’ve a copy of it here (MP3 format, about 1Mb, right-click to download), hope it works (and that the BBC don’t mind…).

In other news, business continues apace. I’m working on caricatures for a charity football book and a poster for a local theatre production, amongst other things. More details when I know them.

Also, went to Shrewsbury for the Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival back in April, which was extremely enjoyable, and I recommend it all of you who are interested in cartooning to go next year (21-23 April).

More updates coming soon – caricatures from my spot on Challenge TV and more sketches from the life class…

And that’s all for now

Also, I’ve recently been getting back into life drawing. Some studies from my sketch-book are to be seen here. Quick warning though, they do feature nudes, so if you’re easily offended, please don’t click on the link.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these new additions to the site. As ever, all comments welcome!