MBS126 - Zapiro, Cartoonist & Political Commentator

Matt Brown Show

Cartoonists. They say that cartoonism is simply organized gossip but in South Africa, a simple cartoon represents far more than trivial gossip – for Jonathan Shapiro AKA Zapiro his cartoons have become nationwide talking points for over 25 years. He has been published over 27 times, was the first cartoonist to win a category prize in the CNN African Journalist of the year Awards, has held solo cartoon exhibitions in New York, London and Frankfurt and many in South Africa and through his running commentary on local political developments he became personal friends with Nelson Mandela and archbishop Desmond Tutu. Not surprisingly, his work has ruffled the feathers of certain corrupt politicians in South Africa and on this episode of the Matt Brown Show we explore his very personal account of taking on the political establishment through his work and the sometimes very dire consequences thereof. We also dissect the little know inner workings of his creative process and how he has managed to find the courage to continue to be one of the most honest and courageous voices in journalism and media.