No racial connotation to Zuma slur

AFTER reading Jonathan Jansen’s column, “Banner soils Blitzbok glory,” I feel compelled to comment. Let me categorically state that I have great respect for the vast majority of his views. However, on this occasion I believe he has got it wrong.

I will concede that the language used on the placard was inappropriate, but it would surely not bring about the end of the world. In mitigation, one has to look at this in the context of the situation in which ALL South Africans find themselves.

This poster was a result of the pure and utter frustration of a South African citizen. To create a racial connotation is ridiculous. Mr Jansen, it was aimed at South Africa’s disgusting president . . . and not at black people per se. If the president was white and behaved like Zuma, the poster might have been worse.

Quite frankly, the overwhelming majority of white South Africans couldn’t give a toss about the colour of the president or the government. All they want is good governance – a view shared by ALL right-thinking people in South Africa.

Seeing that you have descended into the murky racial realm, you might want to reflect on the positive banners and posters displayed by whites when Nelson Mandela appeared at the 1995 World Cup.

Unfortunately JZ has thrown Nelson Mandela’s principles, hopes and vision for South Africa on the trash heap and therefore deserves every insult that comes his way.

The man with the “banner” is not the racist – JZ is the racist in the worst possible sense of the word as he has abdicated his role and duty to build our nation. By the way, did you ever see what was written on the back of a Springbok supporter’s shirt at a New Zealand airport at the 2011 World Cup in reference to Bryce Lawrence (who is white), who had cheated us out of the quarterfinal? No negative comments then . . .

You also take offence to the fact that the word used had “attached the president’s name to a woman’s genitalia” (your words). This is rich when referring to someone who has repeatedly and randomly attached himself, voluntarily, to multiple women’s genitalia.

I can assure you that it was more than a word he used to “attach” himself with. Think “shower”!

Please Mr Jansen, don’t fall into the trap of racialising and genderising every incident in this country.

In my experience, ordinary people of all races get along just fine. Politicians divide (attempt to) us!

Garth Roberts, Port Elizabeth