Western Cape Premier Helen Zille seemed mildly amused by the circulation of a photo-shopped picture of herself on Facebook, in which she appears nude but for a strategically placed Democratic Alliance logo.

On Tuesday morning, the picture appeared on the Facebook profile of an individual calling himself William ANCYL. Soon the comments were pouring in, with some people asking for the doctored photo to be removed, while others seemingly enjoyed the gag.

According to William ANCYL, the picture was posted in retaliation after Brett Murray put up his controversial portrait of an ‘exposed’ Jacob Zuma at the Goodman Gallery in Jo’burg.

He does not clarify why vengeance should be meted out to Zille, who has nothing to do with the painting or the gallery where it hung until being recently defaced.

The ANC responded to the painting, in which Zuma is rendered in the style of Soviet-era propaganda posters of Vladimir Lenin (but with his penis hanging out of his trousers), by issuing complaints, threatening legal action and mobilising its various affiliates in an effort to have it removed.

In stark contrast, Zille laughed off the nude picture, saying “now you can see why I try to cycle vigorously for an hour every day”.

“I obviously need more than Botox. Maybe one of those makeover shows can help: ‘Style by Jury’, here I come!” she said, according to The New Age.

William ANCYL seemingly failed to see the funny side of his own gag however. Referring to Zille, he said:

“I wish she can be thrown in the toilet.”

With his identity still unknown, he went on to attack Brett Murray, saying: “she (Murray) must go to hell but before she (Murray) goes she (Murray) must draw Zille having sex with a monkey or a gorilla”.

He spoke of President Zuma as a “father” and “struggle hero” worthy of absolute respect.

“President Zuma is to some of us a father, a leader, a struggle hero, a comrade, a brother, a child, etc. For those that promote that racist art, I can assure you (especially blacks) they will come after your father and mother.

“We will protect and support President Zuma and for that we’re not apologetic to anyone, especially those that use this racist image as a political tool. Zuma is ours and we will prove that in Mangaung.”

Picture taken from Facebook