Zapiro’s controversial South Africa ‘rape’ cartoon debated on Twitter

Cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, better known professionally as Zapiro, has long been known for his unadulterated take on South African current affairs. But social media users have just about had enough following his latest sketch.

Published on The Daily Maverick today, “She’s all yours, Boss!” references his controversial 2008 sketch “Rape of Lady Justice”. Only this time, Lady South Africa herself is the victim, being held down by minister of social development Bathabile Dlamini, The New Age’s editor Moegsien Williams, and minister of state security David Mahlobo.

Atul Gupta is also depicted with half-removed slacks, standing in front of South Africa, clad in a brightly-coloured flag.

ZAPIRO: She’s All Yours, Boss! https://t.co/eieLZj4I3w By @zapiro pic.twitter.com/TJAtUFS0cL

— Daily Maverick (@dailymaverick) April 11, 2017

With its allusion to rape and violence against women, users on Twitter hit out against the cartoonist and his work, suggesting that the sketch is distasteful, insensitive and “horrible”.

Zapiro: ‘I really didn’t think I’d actually have to revisit the theme at all. It’s not as if I want to draw this sort of thing’

“Oh let’s just take one of the most traumatic, horrific experiences a woman can go through and gratuitously depict it to make a point…” AfricaCheck’s senior researcher Kate Wilkinson tweeted, leading the comments against the piece.

@njili_sonwa “Oh let’s just take one of the most traumatic, horrific experiences a woman can go through and gratuitously depict it to make a point…”

— Kate Wilkinson 🇿🇦 (@kateomega) April 11, 2017

Others also joined her in ridiculing the cartoon.

What @Zapiro does is draw from an arsenal of lazy sexist (and racist) jokes #Zapiro

— Oliver Meth (@oliver_meth) April 11, 2017

A woman in SA is raped every 15-30 scnds (depending on srce) yet a cartoon offends us more? Time for some serious self reflection SA #Zapiro

— Daniele Costantini (@dondan7) April 11, 2017

#Zapiro shld know that rape is not a metaphor–it’s a painful violation that many in our society don’t need to be reminded of in a cartoon.

— Mmutla (@princenare) April 11, 2017

But sentiment wasn’t one-sided on the social network. A number of users defended or attempted to reason with Zapiro’s message and use of metaphor.

If you’re an artist and drawing is what you do. Then draw awareness if you have to. I’m sure no disrespect nor humor was intended. #Zapiro

— Eugy (@EugyYox) April 11, 2017

#Zapiro is trending because he’s cartoons reflect what’s happening in reality.
People who’re condemning this..they condoned JZ’s rape case 😒 pic.twitter.com/rGniLofbwZ

— #Musical_Therapist (@Tshepo_sebino) April 11, 2017

Why did #Zapiro cartoon causes so much havoc?!or should I say outrages,anyhow for me it’s a satire!

— Soulful Coster Rama (@Coster_rama) April 11, 2017

Whatever side of the fence you find yourself, rape remains a dire issue in South Africa.

In 2016, close to 43 000 rapes were reported countrywide to SAPS, while nearly 16 000 people younger than the age of 18 were reportedly raped in the same period.

Zapiro comments

Zapiro has yet to published the cartoon to his official Twitter account, but he did provide News24 with comment.

“Everything I was trying to say about Jacob Zuma, and the way that he operates, the way he became president by riding roughshod over the justice system, has come true,” he told the publication.

“I really didn’t think I’d actually have to revisit the theme at all. It’s not as if I want to draw this sort of thing.”

“Zapiro” is currently the country’s top trending topic on Twitter at the time of writing.