Domestic Cartoon Analysis 1

In 2008, Judge Hlophe approached justices Jafta and Nkabinde and discussed with them the Zuma/Thint matter in which judgment was pending. The Concourt signed a complaint against Judge Hlophe, and justices Jafta and Nkabinde were happy to be signatories to that complaint. Five years later, the tribunal is trying to determine whether an innocent collegial conversation took place – and so dismiss the desire by some to see Judge Hlophe sanctioned for judicial misconduct – or whether Judge Hlophe had improperly tried to influence the outcome of a Concourt case – and so recommend sanction. Bess Nkabinde and Chris Jafta have made a U-turn and are calling the judicial tribunal into allegations of misconduct against Judge John Hlophe an "illegitimate structure".

The intention of this cartoon is to expose the two judges that have “no backbone”; five years earlier they had complained about their colleague, Judge President of the Western Cape, Judge Hlophe for alleging that Judge Hlophe tried to influence them in concern with the criminal case against President of the ANC, Jacob Zuma t the time, before he could become president of the country. When an opportunity presented itself to the two judges, Judge Jafta & Judge Nkabinde, they refused to testify against Judge Hlophe in front of the Judicial Service Commission.This says a lot about their lack of integrity and backbone.

The picture  portrays them in a fish-like manner, displaying their lack of a backbone. The cartoonist illustrated this literally though it is meant figuratively, considering the situation. The text also gives a clear indication of how they ( Judge Jafta & Judge Nkabinde) could not stand firm with their word.