With the national elections only a week away, the latest offering from satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys could not be more relevant. Against a backdrop of past and present election posters, Uys presents himself as a series of characters, through which to comment on the politically related goings-on around the world, and in our country.

The focus topics here: democracy and sex. There is Zuma and his shower, and the odd reference to Monica Lewinsky. But mostly, it seems, the connection has to do with the fact that Uys' interest in elections came about as a result of erections — and the fact that they were both taboo under the former system of government.

Uys is a master of political parody, and many big names get his attention. He opens with Hilary and Bill Clinton, and uses that as a springboard to Michelle and Barack Obama, the concept of the African American, and a discussion of international politics and relationships, particularly with reference to our own young democracy.

Many South African political figures of the past and present get a mention of sorts, as Pik Botha is hauled out of the big black dustbin for a classic comparison of policy with Thabo Mbeki, which leaves neither with a legacy to stand on. Much is made of the singing, dancing, preaching Jacob Zuma, and even interim-president Kgalema Motlanthe gets temporary attention.

Noelle Fine discusses problems and solutions at Home Affairs, and her allegiance with the non-racial, non-sexist and, in many ways, non-sensical ANC; Mrs Peterson laments the fate of the 'Congress of the Pissed Off People'; and the grievous use of one cross to gain another, by many, is put to shame.

My favourite cameo features Uys, not in any of his many guises, but stripped of make-up, wigs and pretence. He sits, downstage centre, clothed in black, lit by a single spotlight, and creates colourful images, both intimate and powerful, with his expert use of words as he tells candidly of an illicit encounter with a coloured boy in his youth and the effect that had on his sensibilities.

The second act is presented by the inimitable Evita Bezuidenhout. The house lights lift for her to chat with her audience and answer their questions about her opinions and the policies of her Evita's People's Party.

She has a remarkably astute ability to call things as they are, and inspires much confidence as a politician. And she really is very funny! She tells of opening a cupboard in Thabo Mbeki's old office to find it overflowing with Voyager Miles and a voodoo Tutu-doll. Comparisons are made between Nelson Mandela's 'A Long Walk to Freedom', Mark Gevisser’s book on Mbeki, and a significantly less substantial book about Zuma.

Evita also hosts a celebrity guest — in this case a rather reserved Patricia de Lille of the Independent Democrats, famous as the whistle-blower on the infamous Arms Deal, showing a commitment that seems to make people listen attentively.

There are many nostalgic references to the historic occasion of 27 April 1994 and reverence for the prominent leaders who helped to make it happen — with particular fondness expressed in favour of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the late Helen Suzman.

In spite of the sentiment which must accompany satire, one really is left with an overwhelming sense of the positivity of what it means to be South African. It's all about being energised by the fears and fun that are a part of being in exciting times in an exciting place. And about using your vote to help make the sort of difference that one dreams of.

Uys uses this stage as his soapbox and the message is clear — a loud "No, you can't!..." get away with ridiculousness, directed at our politicians, and a resounding call to the people of South Africa to help maintain that accountability, to love the wonderful country in which we live, and mostly — to vote!

And quite frankly, I think he does so rather brilliantly!

» 'Elections and Erections' runs at the Baxter main theatre in Cape Town until 2 May. Book at Computicket.

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