Zuma can’t hide from the kids
CHILDREN are going gaga trying to spot President Jacob Zuma in a colourful, comic, illustrated book.
Where’s Zuma? is a parody of the children’s book Where’s Wally? , which consists of illustrations depicting dozens of people in various locations. Readers have to find the main character, Wally, hidden among them.
Wally sports a red-andwhite-striped shirt, bobble hat and glasses; a smiling Zuma is seen wearing his glasses
Where’s Zuma?, by Cape Town-based Kobus Galloway, an artist with a passion for comedy, invites the reader to find Zuma in 13 humorous and controversial situations such as a Gupta wedding at Sun City, an arms deal expo, Zuma’s wedding, a soccer match at FNB Stadium, at Nelson Mandela’s memorial and at the 2015 state of the nation address.
Also hidden are other wellknown local and international personalities and politicians including Julius Malema, Helen Zille, King Goodwill Zwelithini, Schabir Shaik, Robert Mugabe, Mmusi Maimane, Barack Obama, Jeremy Clarkson and Lewis Hamilton.
Dhiyarv Govender, 10, said he had seen the book at a book store and begged his mother to buy it. “I love Where’s Wally? and thought this book would be fun. Many of my friends have been talking about it. I find the book to be funny and interesting. It also has important facts about Zuma and history,” said Dhiyarv, a Grade 5 pupil at Clifton School in Durban.
“There were many people who I did not know in the book . . . I searched for them on the internet. My mom also helped me research the different events to learn more about it.”
Dhiyarv’s mother, Subashni, said that through humour, the book had helped her son learn about politics.
“He learnt about the courtroom and the arms deal and questioned whether Zuma and who else was involved in the arms deal. We think kids are too little to understand politics, but they are clever and research things they don’t know. It is a clever and simple way to teach kids politics.”
Dhiyarv’s friend, Tyler Martin, 10, said he found the book funny. “I’ve always enjoyed Where’s Wally? But this is specific to South Africa, which makes it interesting. I really enjoyed the book.”
Galloway said he had received positive feedback on the book, which is in its second print run. “It’s for the young and the young at heart. Even if you don’t love politics, there are numerous characters and little hidden gems to keep you occupied.
“It’s also nice to look at if you’re an illustrator or someone with a love for the arts.”
Galloway said children who didn’t understand the scenarios might learn new names and a bit of political history. “And it’s presented in a humorous way. So it’s also fun to look at. This is by far the most complex illustration project I’ve done in the 24 years I have been illustrating.”
The Presidency did not respond to queries about the book and its popularity.