Ever encountered a Desktop Terrorist? One who’s not afraid of controversy; who tackles a broad array of local and international political and social issues with his trademark wit, insight and attitude, and a refreshing serving of satire on the side? Well, Azad Essa is one somebody who fits this character description perfectly - online at least.

And the launch of his latest book, Zuma’s Bastard at Exclusive Books – Gateway, Durban on the evening of Tuesday, November 2, proved he was no different IRL, as they say.

The event was a cosy affair, attended by some 150 individuals, including Ashwin Desai, Nanda Soobben, Farouk Khan and representatives of the media.

Prof Rob Pattman (Sociology, University of KwaZulu-Natal) put on quite a performance in delivering a textured synopsis of the book.

Author Azad Essa took us on twists and turns of surprise as he described some of the events leading up to the final print of Zuma’s Bastard. Various elements that contributed toward this process were on display at the book launch, such as the book cover shortlist and Zuma cartoon exhibit.

Essa’s widely acclaimed blog, the Accidental Academic, won Best Political Blog at the 2009 South African Blog Awards for its thought-provoking, and often controversial, writing. Zuma's Bastard is the first collection of his writing, and is based on his award-winning blog.

“This is not a story. What Zuma’s Bastard tries to do, is shake you up; to pulverise you towards social change. In a sense, you and I are all Zuma’s bastards - the illegitimate children of South Africa’s democracy, who have no allegiance to the country’s apartheid past,” said Essa.

• This article also appears on the BOOK SA website.