Comments on: In defence of Zapiro

By: Brett Williams

Brett Williams — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:43:46 +0000

very very scary! as a political cartoon its amazing. Perhaps some readers are not aware of the universal symbol of justice used here. Again it seems that its the men who are complaining at how its despicable to use a woman being raped. guys its called a METAPHOR, look it up. as I said before its incredibly scary to see the slow spiral down that South Africa has taken. I was born in Cape Town and now live abroad as is my right and from an outside point of view, the abuse and bullying by powerful people, and the zeal of their followers would not be tolerated in a rational democracy for very long. Do they really believe that their leaders are not diverting the path of democracy?
Dont forget that Zapiro has targeted political players from both sides for years. Take the emotion out of the equation and see whats really going on in the country. Those leaders dont need to threaten anarchy. If you havent noticed its pretty much on the brink. A very concise and scary cartoon for a very real and sad situation.

By: Chicago fan

Chicago fan — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:36:52 +0000

For those of you with a more recent history of Zapiro…
Check out his cartoons from the 80′s where he ruthlessly & truthfully portrayed the atrocities of the Nationalist Government. PW Botha never escaped unscathed.
He was lauded by the very UDF, ANC & other “struggle” organizations who saw Zapiro’s work as the voice of the nameless & faceless. His work was banned & his freedom to express the truth curtailed by every means possible.

25+ years later…Zapiro is still giving South Africa & the world his biting, satirical, view….Yes the truth!!!

How ironic that now, this artist of integrity, is being attacked & possibly “banned” by the very same people who thrived on his biting criticism of the prior government.

Is it another “INCONVENIENT TRUTH?”

Keep up the incredible work Jonno.

By: Xolani

Xolani — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:33:04 +0000

To all those who are up in arms with Jonathan Shapiro’s cartoon kindly learn that there is a new update.

Consider the following:
• http://www.mg.co.za/zapiro/all/

Would you have rather preferred the following?
• http://www.thetimes.co.za/OnCamera/Article.aspx?id=753689

By the way Dr Zuma has won.

By: Liansky

Liansky — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:29:47 +0000

Lazola, you are becoming quite possibly, the biggest coconut in South Africa. Jesus almighty Christ!!!! Embarresing…!!!

By: FdK

FdK — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:40:39 +0000

To all those who critisise Zapiro, before you post again read Andy Mason’s brilliant deconstruction of the cartoon in the Cape Argus of 10 September. You may just save yourself from further embarrassment.

By: Stan

Stan — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:36:52 +0000

Zapiro is a satirical cartoonist – he receives remunerations for making people think! He certainly made everyone think with this one.

Sock it to me baby!

By: Lyndall Beddy

Lyndall Beddy — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:43:20 +0000

Imagine if God intervened – and thumped Zuma dead with a thunderbolt? What would Zuma’s thugs do then? Trash the churches? Plan to “kill” God?

The trouble is that the ANC paid as much attention to the Youth League as they did to Eskom. Anyone has been given membership and no training – and mostly unemployed, unskilled and uneducated have joined looking for advancement. I think it unlikely that any of the grandchildren of the original Rivonia trialists are even members.

If they want to “die for Zuma” why not let them? Maybe the police should just listen to the Minister and “shoot the bastards”. Or does that not apply to ALL criminals?

Or is dragging children out of school to terrorise courts and police stations not a crime?

By: Brad Brzezinski

Brad Brzezinski — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:59:12 +0000

It’s a mistake to equate this specific Zapiro case with the very real, longstanding leftist bias of the West’s media.

By: Canada

Canada — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:55:28 +0000

Without debating the merits and demerits of the cartoon, can somebody explain what kind of sick society will get so hyped about a cartoon that Zapiro has explained perfectly.

Sentletse you are my buddy and brother, but this is just a lot of noise about nothing. Lets not stereotype ourselves by calling things that are clearly not racial exactly that. Fighting racism and the mistaken white belie of purety is too important.

Otherwise Helen Zille will forever be immaculate

By: sabelo njoko

sabelo njoko — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:50:30 +0000

ah but i hear a cry from zapiro and his elite of how anc/alliance are going to abuse judiciary,what about zapiro respecting members of this organisation for him to insult this leaders means he is attacking masses that are led by these leaders.zapiro represent the view of rich torwards the masses,ignorant,violentand abusive,he might as well be groot krokodile