JOHANNESBURG City Press editor Ferial Haffajee yesterday apologised for the hurt caused by the papers publishing of a portrait of President Jacob Zuma with his genitals exposed, but refused to remove the image from the papers website.
Haffajee addressed Zumas daughter Duduzile in her column, saying: I understand that what is a work of satire to me is a portrait of pain to you. Zumas children could face teasing as a result of the papers actions.
And if they and your dad saw the work in our pages and it caused harm, then I apologise from the bottom of my heart, she said.
Would I publish the image again knowing what I do now? Probably not, she admitted, as the depiction of black genitals was still controversial in South Africa.
She had considered placing a strategic flower over the part of the image which had caused offence.
However, after the ANC called on its followers to boycott the paper, she changed her mind.
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The ANC was no longer a party of ideas and debate. Rather, its leaders were pursuing their own ambitions, she said.
Id like to play my role, but if I respond to fear, insult, demands to remove an item of journalism, threats and intimidation, then what role will I be playing to make ours the best possible world for your little brothers and sisters, and all the children for whom we are making a future? she asked.