Zapiro (Jonathan Shapiro)

Jonathan Shapiro, widely known as "Zapiro" is a South African political cartoonist who was born in 1958 in Cape Town and raised in a politically active environment that would later inform his practice. He became interested in drawing and satire at a young age, using humour and visual commentary as a means of engaging with the socio-political realities of South Africa. His early political activism and opposition to the apartheid government led to his detention in the 1980s, where he was held without trial for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities.

Zapiro studied architecture at the University of Cape Town before later pursuing a career in cartooning. He began contributing cartoons to student publications and alternative press outlets, developing a distinctive visual language that combines satire, caricature and sharp political critique. His work addresses issues of governance, corruption, social justice and freedom of expression therefore positioning him as one of South Africa’s most influential contemporary commentators.

He has produced numerous publications and has had his work featured in newspapers, exhibitions and international platforms. His cartoons have appeared in prominent South African publications such as the Mail & Guardian and Sunday Times. He has also published several collections of his work, including Madam & Eve: The Cartoons and The Last Sushi. His work is included in various public and private collections and he has received numerous awards for his contribution to political commentary and freedom of expression.

Sources:

https://zapiro.com/about/ Accessed 15 April 2026

https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/jonathan-shapiro Accessed 15 April 2026

https://www.lambiek.net/artists/z/zapiro.htm Accessed 15 April 2026