, ENG3704 ASSIGNMENT 1 ANSWERS - DUE DATE 2026
Question 1:
Bafana Republic and Other Satires
Analysis of “Ode to WaNkandla”
The sketch “Ode to WaNkandla” from Bafana Republic and Other Satires focuses on the
controversial upgrades made to former President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla residence. These
upgrades became a major public issue when it was revealed that state funds had been used
for features that were not strictly related to security, such as a swimming pool, cattle kraal,
and amphitheatre. A newspaper article published by the Mail & Guardian titled “Nkandla
report finds Zuma unduly benefited” reports on the findings of the Public Protector, who
concluded that Zuma had personally benefited from these state-funded improvements.
The main target of the sketch is Jacob Zuma, but it also extends to broader concerns about
political corruption and the misuse of public resources. Instead of directly criticising him in a
serious tone, the sketch uses exaggerated praise and poetic language to create humour.
Nkandla is described in a way that makes it seem grand and almost sacred, which is clearly
ironic. This approach allows the audience to recognise the gap between how the situation is
presented in the sketch and the reality of what actually happened.
The sketch works to damage Zuma’s reputation by making him appear undeserving of the
admiration that the “ode” suggests. By praising the very features that were widely criticised
in the media, the sketch draws attention to their absurdity. It suggests that the upgrades were
excessive and unjustified, and that Zuma’s acceptance of them reflects poor judgement. In
contrast, the Mail & Guardian article presents these issues in a factual and investigative way,
explaining how the Public Protector found that Zuma should repay some of the money. Even
though the tone is different, both texts point to the same underlying problem.
Question 1:
Bafana Republic and Other Satires
Analysis of “Ode to WaNkandla”
The sketch “Ode to WaNkandla” from Bafana Republic and Other Satires focuses on the
controversial upgrades made to former President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla residence. These
upgrades became a major public issue when it was revealed that state funds had been used
for features that were not strictly related to security, such as a swimming pool, cattle kraal,
and amphitheatre. A newspaper article published by the Mail & Guardian titled “Nkandla
report finds Zuma unduly benefited” reports on the findings of the Public Protector, who
concluded that Zuma had personally benefited from these state-funded improvements.
The main target of the sketch is Jacob Zuma, but it also extends to broader concerns about
political corruption and the misuse of public resources. Instead of directly criticising him in a
serious tone, the sketch uses exaggerated praise and poetic language to create humour.
Nkandla is described in a way that makes it seem grand and almost sacred, which is clearly
ironic. This approach allows the audience to recognise the gap between how the situation is
presented in the sketch and the reality of what actually happened.
The sketch works to damage Zuma’s reputation by making him appear undeserving of the
admiration that the “ode” suggests. By praising the very features that were widely criticised
in the media, the sketch draws attention to their absurdity. It suggests that the upgrades were
excessive and unjustified, and that Zuma’s acceptance of them reflects poor judgement. In
contrast, the Mail & Guardian article presents these issues in a factual and investigative way,
explaining how the Public Protector found that Zuma should repay some of the money. Even
though the tone is different, both texts point to the same underlying problem.
