Mr Vala vs Sunday Times

SUMMARY

The complaint was about a cartoon that was published on 27 October 2013.

This ruling by Press Ombud Johan Retief was based on the Press Code that was in effect before 30 September 2022.

The cartoon, drawn by Zapiro, depicted the Hindu god Lord Ganesha holding a cricket bat and some money – while Cricket SA CEO Haroon Lorgat, tied up on an altar, was about to be stabbed (sacrificed) by two of its officials. They said: “Sorry Mr Lorgat, it has a strange hold over us!” In other words: Lord Ganesha symbolised the cricket board in India, with their South African counterparts that bowed before them. This came after CSA had agreed to suspend Lorgat for the duration of India’s tour to this country, following alleged pressure by the cricket authorities from that country.

Retief informed one Vala that he would not entertain his complaint as it was malicious.

THE RULING ITSELF

Dear Mr Vala

I have considered your complaint against Zapiro’s cartoon in Sunday Times, and have decided to dismiss it out of hand. Section 1.5.2 of our Complaints Procedures says that this office should not accept a complaint that is malicious. I refer you to your statement that read: “We demand an apology for this insult, or else………………………..face the consequences”.

This office cannot entertain potential threats such as this, irrespective of the nature of the complaint.

You can apply to the Chair of Appeals, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, for leave to appeal against this decision. If so, please do it within seven working days from now. You can direct your application to [email protected].

Regards

Johan