South Africa’s Zapiro Named One of World’s 10 Best Cartoonists

South African Jonathan Shapiro, better known by the name he draws under, Zapiro, has been named one of the 10 best cartoonists in the world by an American publication, coming in near the top, at No. 2.

The online publication Top Ten said, “Whether the cartoons (of the 10) are created for political commentary, advertising, entertainment or any other purpose, the cartoonists have proved that ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’.”

Zapiro, whose work has become famous in South Africa and around the world for its sharp commentary as well as humour, came second only to the hugely popular American, Berkeley Breathed.

Zapiro, who has become renowned also for his depiction of President Jacob Zuma with a showerhead, recently apologised for a cartoon depicting the head of the National Prosecuting Authority Shaun Abrahams as an organ grinder’s monkey, after Abrahams announced that the NPA would appeal a High Court decision to reinstate corruption charges against Zuma.

Zapiro was accused of being racist and feeding into racist tropes. Zapiro was quoted saying afterward that he was sorry for the cartoon: “I had Zuma as the human and his lackey was Shaun Abrahams. This is the first time ever that I am utterly sorry. I wish I could turn the clock back and I should never have done that.”

Other cartoonists on the Top Ten list included American Branco, Australians David Pope and Paul Zanetti, as well as India’s Manjul.

Zapiro’s exhibition, “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword”, will be on in Hermanus 10-19 June.