ANC disgust at Zuma cartoon

The ruling African National Congress picked a fight yesterday with one of South Africa's most celebrated political cartoonists over the portrayal of President Jacob Zuma as an erect penis.

The cartoon by Jonathan Shapiro, known as Zapiro, in the influential Mail and Guardian weekly also refers to Mr Zuma as "a dick" and ridicules his attempts at racial reconciliation.

"We are not alone in condemning this insult to our President by Zapiro and the Mail and Guardian," the party said. "All South Africans share our disgust." It called on Zapiro and the newspaper to apologise.

Mr Zuma is suing Zapiro for defamation for cartoons published in 2006 and 2008.

Reuters