A barrage of negative online comment rained down on Marius Fransman and the ANC on Friday amid confusion over his status as the party’s Western Cape leader.
A picture by photographer Esa Alexander of Fransman taking a selfie with President Jacob Zuma — used on the front page of the Cape Town edition of The Times on Friday — sparked ironic ripostes.
Also read: ‘Women sexually harassed by ANC big wigs don’t get justice’: EFF
Fransman wore an ANC leather jacket that matched Zuma’s when he joined the party leader on the campaign trail in the Cape Flats on Thursday‚ his first ANC event since he agreed to step aside for allegedly sexually harassing his assistant.
ANC national executive committee member and elections head Nomvula Mokonyane told reporters in Philippi that Fransman was back in his old job and “the issues have been resolved“.
But secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said this was untrue‚ adding that Fransman had yet to appear before the ANC disciplinary committee.
In a speech bubble added to Alexander’s picture‚ Alasdair Farquharson imagined Fransman telling Zuma‚ “And that’s her without her bra” as they both smile at his phone.
Columnist William Saunderson-Meyer responded to a tweet of the picture by Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier by speculating: “Fransman showing Zuma pics of his latest conquest?“
Former DA leader Helen Zille‚ premier of the Western Cape — the only province not run by the ANC — said: “I’m really pleased to see Marius Fransman and JZ together on the campaign trail. Nothing could be better for DA.”
Former ANC politician Mbhazima Shilowa tweeted: “I wonder what message the ANC is sending or which constituency it’s responding to in deploying Fransman to the election trenches.”
His sentiment was echoed by writer Sisonke Msimang‚ who said: “And with #Fransman back the ANC has told women all over the country to voetsek. Whatever doubts I had are gone.”
Lesia Molibeli responded by saying: “Misogyny and patriarchy reign supreme in this party. Lecherous lotharios can do no wrong.”
Mike Sharman quoted a headline in The New Age saying “Fransman back with a bang“‚ adding: “You bet he is.” And novelist Margie Orford tweeted: “#Zuma and #Fransman going after the women.... Their votes‚ of course!“
Comedian Deep Fried Man tweeted: “Marius Fransman has been welcomed back as Western Cape leader by the ANC‚ who also soon hope to see Bob Hewitt in charge of Limpopo.”
The Twitter account Token Darkie said: “The highest rape incidences per capita coupled with similar HIV/Aids figures and we still push Marius Fransman. Long way to go.”
Parody account ANN7Reporter said: “According to the ANC‚ Marius Fransman has‚ has not‚ might‚ might not‚ definitely been‚ probably not reinstated as leader in the W Cape.”
Political analyst Terry Bell said the ANC constitution had become meaningless. “Otherwise how does Marius Fransman return as W Cape chair‚ with JZ approval‚ when a disciplinary awaits?”
- TMG Digital
Fransman frightens Twitter with No 1 selfie
A barrage of negative online comment rained down on Marius Fransman and the ANC on Friday amid confusion over his status as the party’s Western Cape leader.
A picture by photographer Esa Alexander of Fransman taking a selfie with President Jacob Zuma — used on the front page of the Cape Town edition of The Times on Friday — sparked ironic ripostes.
Also read: ‘Women sexually harassed by ANC big wigs don’t get justice’: EFF
Fransman wore an ANC leather jacket that matched Zuma’s when he joined the party leader on the campaign trail in the Cape Flats on Thursday‚ his first ANC event since he agreed to step aside for allegedly sexually harassing his assistant.
ANC national executive committee member and elections head Nomvula Mokonyane told reporters in Philippi that Fransman was back in his old job and “the issues have been resolved“.
But secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said this was untrue‚ adding that Fransman had yet to appear before the ANC disciplinary committee.
In a speech bubble added to Alexander’s picture‚ Alasdair Farquharson imagined Fransman telling Zuma‚ “And that’s her without her bra” as they both smile at his phone.
Columnist William Saunderson-Meyer responded to a tweet of the picture by Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier by speculating: “Fransman showing Zuma pics of his latest conquest?“
Former DA leader Helen Zille‚ premier of the Western Cape — the only province not run by the ANC — said: “I’m really pleased to see Marius Fransman and JZ together on the campaign trail. Nothing could be better for DA.”
Former ANC politician Mbhazima Shilowa tweeted: “I wonder what message the ANC is sending or which constituency it’s responding to in deploying Fransman to the election trenches.”
His sentiment was echoed by writer Sisonke Msimang‚ who said: “And with #Fransman back the ANC has told women all over the country to voetsek. Whatever doubts I had are gone.”
Lesia Molibeli responded by saying: “Misogyny and patriarchy reign supreme in this party. Lecherous lotharios can do no wrong.”
Mike Sharman quoted a headline in The New Age saying “Fransman back with a bang“‚ adding: “You bet he is.” And novelist Margie Orford tweeted: “#Zuma and #Fransman going after the women.... Their votes‚ of course!“
Comedian Deep Fried Man tweeted: “Marius Fransman has been welcomed back as Western Cape leader by the ANC‚ who also soon hope to see Bob Hewitt in charge of Limpopo.”
The Twitter account Token Darkie said: “The highest rape incidences per capita coupled with similar HIV/Aids figures and we still push Marius Fransman. Long way to go.”
Parody account ANN7Reporter said: “According to the ANC‚ Marius Fransman has‚ has not‚ might‚ might not‚ definitely been‚ probably not reinstated as leader in the W Cape.”
Political analyst Terry Bell said the ANC constitution had become meaningless. “Otherwise how does Marius Fransman return as W Cape chair‚ with JZ approval‚ when a disciplinary awaits?”
- TMG Digital
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos