What on earth is wrong with Zapiro? – The Young Independents

Zapiro says a debate is pointless. Picture: Ian Landsberg

Cape Town – 140929 – Jonathan Shapiro’s (Zapiro) most recent book “Democrazy” presents a survey of satirical graphics of the foibles of South African politics over the past 20 years. In it Zapiro traces the indelible legacies of decisive moments that define, and still continue to shape, the country. A selection of his work is on display at at the AVA Gallery in Church Street in the Cape Town CBD. Reporter: Esther Lewis Picture: David Ritchie (083 652 4951)

Zapiro adores controversy.

Jonathan Shapiro, the famous satirist’s latest cartoon depicts President Jacob Zuma zipping up his trousers as one of the Gupta brothers gets ready to “rape” South Africa, depicted as a woman, with State Security Minister David Mahlobo, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini and The New Age editor Moegsien Williams holding her down.

The cartoon is entitled: “She’s all Yours, Boss!” and was published for The Daily Maverick on Tuesday.

Zapiro at it again: lazy, unimaginative, literal & no regard for careful, sustained engagement by many with his use of this rape analogy. pic.twitter.com/2wuF8pqZV4

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) April 11, 2017

Zapiro has had to excuse himself a numerous amount of times to the public.

According to Zapiro however he does not take his recent depiction lightly.

He’s been singing the same song though ever since his first drawing of Zuma preparing to rape “Lady Justice” in 2008.

The 2008 cartoon drew a strong reaction, with many at the time calling into question the apparent trivialisation of rape and rape culture, as well as the “disrespectful” nature of the depiction of the president.

However, he says the current climate in the country over the Cabinet reshuffle warranted the ‘rape’ drawing.

WMC Mafia led by Johann Rupert looting South African resources for years. @zapiro this is real RAPE of South Africa #ZapiroMustFall pic.twitter.com/v8SUDFLFLm

— Sibonelo Kgasi (@sibonelokgasi1) April 11, 2017

In a country where rape is rife, I find this pic very insensitive to rape victims/survivors.#ZapiroIsInsensitive #Zapiro #ZapiroMustFall

— cris mathumetse (@mr_mathumetse) April 11, 2017

According to Zapiro he says the drawing itself was a metaphor that applies to all South Africans.

Rape is a serious matter in this country, to often use it as a political metaphor is insensitive and sick! #ZapiroMustFall

— Rantle (@RantleM) April 11, 2017

What are your thoughts on Zapiro’s rape cartoon? Is he insensitive? Is he brave? Or is just plain ole sick?

– Richelle Neethling