Controversial Debate Over Painting that embarrassed President Jacob Zuma

President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday that freedom of speech is important but it is not superior to other rights, including the right to dignity.

South Africans must disabuse themselves of the notion that certain rights are more important to certain sections of South African society than others, Zuma told the National Assembly (parliament).

“This government defends the right of our people to express themselves in any manner, including protest action, except if in exercising that right they begin to violate the rights of others, such as destroying property or stopping other people from exercising their own rights,” Zuma said.

No right is absolute, Zuma noted, adding, “It must be exercised with due regard to the rights of others. And it does not matter who the subject of the violation of any right is. All rights are important and must be respected.”

He was apparently referring to the controversy over a painting that depicts the president in an offensive way.

Zuma said earlier that he was “hurt” by the painting which depicts him with his genitals exposed.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday withdrew its legal challenge against the Goodman Gallery for displaying the offensive painting and the City Press newspaper which distributed the portrait on its web.

The withdrawal followed a series of meetings between the ruling party, the gallery and other relevant stakeholders, aimed at hammering a solution to the explosive issue, and creating peace and harmony among the diverse South African cultures.

The gallery conceded that it was saddened by the “hurt” the painting had caused, adding that this was not its intention. The City Press also apologized and agreed to remove the painting from its website.

The painting sparked a national debate on the issue of freedom of expression and the right to dignity.

Referring to the consequences resulting from the painting, Zuma said, “This country has a history, a very painful history, whose scars still show.”

Members of Parliament should not lose sight of the fact that South Africans were still suffering from the country’s once divisive history, he said.

Zuma called on lawmakers to help contribute to the development of South Africa by making suggestions that would improve the country, rather than making remarks to score political points.

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