SOUND MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
Zap Hero - not just a jester
Extraordinary Life: Zapiro
He’s angered Hindus, Muslims and Jews and has received law suits and death threats. He’s also received awards, doctorates and is set to have a road in Gugulethu named after him. Cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro – aka Zapiro – is South African journalism’s Don Quixote: he has taken up his pen to defend the vulnerable, honour heroes, point fingers at the corrupt and poke fun at our quirky country and its eccentric people. Zapiro, a skilful artist, a biting satirist and courageous cartoonist, is committed to social justice and a freedom of expression champion. He is a national treasure.
Nominated by: Helen Walne
When Helen Walne isn’t killing plants and rescuing dogs she’s an award-winning columnist and author of the brilliant book, The Diving. Although she describes herself as a “people pleaser,” she says Zapiro’s courage is contagious and he has inspired her to be brave. She now regularly offends Woolies shoppers in her columns.
Expert: Andy Mason
Andy, who is also known as N.D. Mazin, is the pen behind the underground Crumbsian strips such as Vittokes and Azaniamania and author of WHAT'S SO FUNNY? Under the Skin of South African Cartooning. Andy, who surfs whenever he can, has written extensively about Zapiro and worked with the extraordinary cartoonist on The Mandela Files. Andy tells us what scares Zapiro (hint: it’s not a R15-million lawsuit).
