The Zuma Issue
iJusi is an independent magazine published by Garth Walker in Durban, South Africa. Each year, the magazine invites creatives to submit work that relates to a specific theme. iJusi #31 (2016) was themed around Jacob Zuma, then current president of South Africa.
The current president of South Africa, is a controversial figure. He has been plagued by corruption and rape allegations, facing more than 780 charges of fraud, corruption and money-laundering, all of which were dropped by the National Prosecuting Authority. Regardless of this, he has a massive, unwavering following in South Africa who remains loyal regardless of what he does. This reminds of the legend of the Pied Piper, a rat-catcher hired by the town of Hamelin to lure mice and rats away with his magic flute. After he rids the town of its vermin by leading them into a river, the citizens refuse to pay for this service. He retaliates by using his instrument's magical power on their children, leading them away as he had the rats, never to be seen again.
"This reminds of the legend of the Pied Piper, a rat-catcher hired by the town of Hamelin to lure mice and rats away with his magic flute."
The Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955 in Kliptown, Soweto and is characterised by its opening demand; "The people shall govern!".
