[imagesource:here]

When Zapiro eventually hangs up his boots, or pen, he’ll be remembered for many of his iconic cartoons.

Perhaps most iconic, though, is his portrayal of former president Jacob Zuma and the showerhead, which serves as a constant reminder of our government’s failure to deal with South Africa’s original pandemic, HIV/AIDS.

It’s the government’s handling of the current pandemic, as well as the ANC’s choices in terms of honouring stalwart Andrew Mlangeni, who passed away recently at the age of 95, that have raised Zapiro’s ire the past seven or so days.

Mlangeni, who was vocal in calling out Zuma’s corruption in recent years, would clearly not have wanted the disgraced leader to host his virtual memorial service this past Friday, but that’s exactly what happened.

Before we get to that, let’s look at Zapiro’s cartoon on The Daily Maverick from last week:

That’s a reference to former environmental affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane, who appeared at the Zondo commission to “set the record straight” on allegations of corruption levelled against here.

Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi said Mokonyane received gifts and other kickbacks in exchange for her political influence, which included efforts to derail the investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority into alleged corruption by Bosasa officials.

More on that here.

That was followed later in the week by another Daily Maverick cartoon titled ‘Up With the Best’, which doesn’t require much unpacking:

Integrity – something in short supply at present.

Finally, there was this from two days back on the Daily Maverick, titled ‘Party Message’:

Message received, loud and clear.

It’s also worth noting how, even in death, it’s one set of rules for government, and another for our citizens.

On the one side, you have a large gathering for a fallen comrade, and on the other, the reality of burying a loved one for so many families these past few months:

THEM vs US pic.twitter.com/jhcE9puRQV

— Vauldi Carelse (@vauldicarelse) July 28, 2020

I remember standing here, all of us apart, watching family sob without the ability to actually hold each other. I remember how quiet it was, no singing, no praying. And I remember the speed and haste

— Vauldi Carelse (@vauldicarelse) July 28, 2020

Zapiro, keep the hits coming.

[sources:dailymav&dailymav&dailymav]