'Real men stand up for the truth': discursive meanings in the Jacob Zuma rape trial

Abstract

The focus of this paper is a preliminary analysis of the representation of meanings in relation to some aspects of the Jacob Zuma rape trial. The argument uses illustrative public evidence (notably media reports) of events and relates these to discourses generated by this trial. Drawing upon such data the argument foregrounds a feminist discursive reading of some central meanings articulated by events and players in the trial. Rather than offering a detailed analysis of all aspects of this trial (for instance, the argument excludes in-depth assessments of the legal context), the paper instead prioritises the performative dimension of meanings. In so far as such meanings open up thinking about rape as a crime of violence, about its ideology of victimisation and the possible limitations that accrue in relation to representations of victims, the paper concludes by asking what meanings about 'justice' circulate through the way discourses of rape articulate interests, and often privilege the accused.