South Africa’s legendary cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, widely known as Zapiro, has released his 30th annual cartoon collection titled What Else Could Go Wrong? Despite the seemingly bleak title, the acclaimed satirist insists he remains cautiously optimistic about the country’s future and his role in shaping public discourse.
Zapiro says that even after decades of drawing some of the nation’s most provocative and hard-hitting political cartoons, he still finds motivation in the possibility of change. In his words, losing hope would defeat the purpose of his craft, which thrives on curiosity, challenge and the search for meaningful commentary.
Reflecting on his long journey that began during South Africa’s transition into democracy, Zapiro notes that the transformation of the country—and his own perspective—has not always been easy to measure. He remembers the early democratic years under Nelson Mandela as a period filled with enthusiasm but also early signs of corruption that sharpened his critical voice. Over time, he says he has shifted from being an enthusiastic participant in the national project to a watchdog, then an opponent, even an “enemy” in the eyes of some, and now simply someone who wants to contribute toward making things better.
Known for never shying away from controversy, the veteran cartoonist admits that his work has become more challenging. In today’s climate, he says it is increasingly difficult to convey all the necessary context in a single cartoon, and many conversations feel prematurely shut down.
Still, the release of his new collection marks a milestone not just in his career but in South African political commentary, reaffirming Zapiro’s position as one of the country’s sharpest and most fearless satirical voices.
Leave a comment