Jacques Lacasse
Jonathan Shapiro (born 27 October 1958), better known by his pen name Zapiro, is a South African political cartoonist whose fearless commentary and razor-sharp humor have made him one of Africa’s most celebrated and controversial artists. Over nearly four decades, Zapiro’s cartoons have chronicled South Africa’s turbulent transformation from apartheid to democracy—challenging presidents, parties, and power structures alike.
Renowned for his biting wit, bold symbolism, and unapologetic political critique, Zapiro has earned both acclaim and outrage for his art. His cartoons have appeared in leading South African newspapers including Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, and Daily Maverick, and have been exhibited and published worldwide.
Jonathan Shapiro (Zapiro) — Infobox
| Full Name | Jonathan Shapiro |
|---|---|
| Pen Name | Zapiro |
| Born | 27 October 1958 — Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Cartoonist, Illustrator, Political Satirist |
| Years Active | 1987 – present |
| Education | – Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town – Fulbright Scholar, School of Visual Arts (New York City) |
| Known For | Political and social satire; anti-apartheid activism; fearless criticism of corruption and injustice |
| Notable Publications | South, The Sowetan, Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, Cape Times, Daily Maverick |
| Notable Works | – The Madiba Years (1996) – Da Zuma Code (2006) – WTF: Capturing Zuma – A Cartoonist’s Tale (2018) – ZANEWS / Puppet Nation ZA (satirical TV show, 2009–present) |
| Political / Social Activism | Anti-Apartheid Movement, End Conscription Campaign, United Democratic Front (UDF) |
| Awards and Honors | • 2001 – CNN African Journalist of the Year (Cartooning category) • 2003 & 2004 – Mondi Newspaper Award for Graphic Journalism • 2004 – Honorary Doctor of Literature, University of Transkei • 2005 – Principal Prince Claus Award (Netherlands) • 2007 – Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award (CRNI, USA) • 2009 – MISA Press Freedom Award • 2012 – Freedom to Publish Prize (IPA) • 2019 – Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (France) |
| Exhibitions | New York, London, Frankfurt, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Davos (World Economic Forum) |
| Style / Medium | Editorial and political cartoons, satire, caricature, ink and digital media |
| Affiliations | Daily Maverick (current), Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times |
| Website | www.zapiro.com |
| Residence | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Religion / Heritage | Jewish |
| Relatives | Nephew of magician David Berglas; cousin of Marvin Berglas (Marvin’s Magic) |
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Shapiro was born on 27 October 1958 in Cape Town, South Africa, into a Jewish family. His parents, Gershon and Gaby Shapiro, encouraged his intellectual curiosity from a young age.
He attended Rondebosch Boys’ High School, where his first cartoon character, “Preppy,” commented humorously on school life. The nickname “Zapiro” later emerged as a tribute to a classmate, Martin Szapiro, who tragically died in a mountaineering accident.
After high school, Shapiro enrolled at the University of Cape Town (UCT) to study architecture, but soon realized his true passion was for art. He transferred to Michaelis School of Fine Art, UCT’s art campus.
His life took a dramatic turn when he was conscripted into the South African army during apartheid. Refusing to bear arms, he instead joined the End Conscription Campaign, a movement opposing mandatory military service. As an activist with the United Democratic Front (UDF), Shapiro designed its famous logo and was arrested under the Illegal Gatherings Act in 1983. Military intelligence continued to monitor him for years.
In 1988, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study media arts and cartooning at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City, where he was mentored by legendary artists Art Spiegelman, Will Eisner, and Harvey Kurtzman.
Career and Rise to Prominence
Early Work (1980s–1990s)
Zapiro began his professional career in 1987 as an editorial cartoonist for South newspaper. His art, rich in political symbolism and humor, resonated strongly with South Africans emerging from decades of censorship.
After returning from New York, he joined The Sowetan (1994–2005) as its leading political cartoonist, chronicling South Africa’s early democratic years under Nelson Mandela. He simultaneously contributed to Cape Argus (1996–1997) and began a long relationship with the Mail & Guardian (since 1994) and Sunday Times (since 1998).
By 2005, his cartoons appeared three times weekly in The Cape Times, The Star, The Mercury, and Pretoria News. His style—characterized by expressive caricature, bold lines, and satirical punchlines—made him instantly recognizable.
International Recognition and Influence
Zapiro’s cartoons have been exhibited internationally, including New York, London, Frankfurt, and numerous African cities. In 2003, he represented Africa at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, returning there again in 2004–2006.
In 2019, he was awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, one of France’s highest cultural honors, for his contributions to political art and free expression. He was also ranked by Jeune Afrique among the 50 most influential Africans.
Zapiro has published 29 annual cartoon collections, including iconic titles like:
- The Madiba Years (1996)
- The Devil Made Me Do It! (2000)
- The ANC Went in 4×4 (2001)
- The Zuma Years series (2006–2016)
- WTF: Capturing Zuma – A Cartoonist’s Tale (2018)
- Zapiro Annual: Do the Macorona (2020)
His art also features in the popular satirical puppet show ZANEWS, later renamed Puppet Nation ZA, which he co-created in 2009 with producer Thierry Cassuto—South Africa’s answer to Spitting Image.
Since 2017, Zapiro has been the editorial cartoonist for Daily Maverick, where his sharp political satire continues to engage new generations of readers.
Themes and Style
Zapiro’s cartoons are known for their bold political symbolism, fearless commentary, and humanistic humor. His recurring motifs—such as Nelson Mandela’s halo, Jacob Zuma’s showerhead, or Lady Justice—are now cultural symbols in South Africa.
His art explores themes of:
- Democracy and corruption
- Racial inequality and reconciliation
- Media freedom and censorship
- Gender justice and human rights
Through caricature, Zapiro amplifies moral questions about power and accountability, making complex issues visually accessible to millions.
Awards and Honours
Zapiro’s courage and artistic excellence have been recognized with numerous awards:
- 2001 – CNN African Journalist of the Year Award (first cartoonist ever to win)
- 2003 & 2004 – Mondi Newspaper Award for Graphic Journalism
- 2004 – Honorary Doctor of Literature, University of Transkei
- 2005 – Principal Prince Claus Award (Netherlands)
- 2007 – Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award (Cartoonists Rights Network International, USA)
- 2008 – South African Cartoonists Award for Best Humorist Cartoon
- 2009 – MISA Press Freedom Award (Media Institute of Southern Africa)
- 2012 – Freedom to Publish Prize, International Publishers Association
- 2019 – Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, France
Controversies and Criticism
Zapiro’s fearless satire has often provoked political, religious, and public backlash.
1. “Rape of Lady Justice” Cartoon (2008)
One of his most controversial works appeared in the Sunday Times on 7 September 2008, showing Jacob Zuma preparing to rape “Lady Justice” while being restrained by his political allies.
The ANC, SACP, and COSATU condemned the cartoon as “racist and vile.” Zuma’s supporters demanded an apology, but Zapiro refused, defending it as an allegory of political interference in the justice system.
2. Depicting the Prophet Muhammad (2010)
In May 2010, Mail & Guardian published a Zapiro cartoon of Muhammad, as part of Everybody Draw Mohammed Day. The publication faced legal attempts by the Council of Muslim Theologians to block it, but the court ruled in Zapiro’s favor.
A week later, he published a follow-up cartoon commenting on the tension between freedom of expression and religious sensitivity, igniting further debate on artistic limits.
3. Shaun Abrahams Controversy (2016)
In 2016, Zapiro faced criticism for depicting National Prosecuting Authority head Shaun Abrahams as a monkey. Many labeled the image racist. Acknowledging the backlash, he issued a rare public apology, calling it a “misjudgment” and adding:
“I can defend 99% of my cartoons. Occasionally I make mistakes — this was one.”
Exhibitions and Publications
Zapiro’s work has been exhibited around the world, including solo shows like “Jiving with Madiba” (South African Jewish Museum, 2011). He has participated in major international exhibitions and cultural forums in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Botswana, and Cameroon.
His illustrations were also featured in journalist Alexander Parker’s bestselling series 50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa, which highlighted figures responsible for shaping (and misshaping) the nation’s political life.
Legacy and Impact
Zapiro’s influence on South African culture is profound. His cartoons are both a visual archive of modern South African history and a testament to the power of satire as a form of resistance.
He has become synonymous with press freedom and moral courage—using humor and art to hold the powerful accountable. His nickname, once a tribute to a friend, now represents an international symbol of truth-telling through cartoons.
Today, Zapiro continues to produce new work for Daily Maverick, inspiring younger generations of artists and journalists to wield their pens fearlessly.
Quote
“Cartoons are like little time bombs of truth—simple, funny, but capable of shaking the powerful.” — Jonathan “Zapiro” Shapiro
