Former Hawks head Lt Gen Godfrey Lebeya publicly questioned the Big Five label applied to him and his unit. The designation refers to the focus on five priority crime areas under South African anti-corruption efforts. The exchange highlights tensions over how the Hawks prioritize cases involving senior officials and organized crime. The cartoon frames Lebeya's denial as an attempt to distance himself from the label's implications for accountability.
The United States has extended a zero-tariff policy offer to African nations amid ongoing global trade tensions. This move stands in contrast to simultaneous use of tariffs and sanctions against other trading partners. The policy highlights selective economic engagement by Washington. The editorial position criticizes the inconsistency between the overture to Africa and the punitive approach applied more broadly.
Zapiro's July 2026 cartoon mocks ANC renewal claims by showing the Minister of Social Development post swapped from Sisisi Tolashe to Dina Pule, with the party figure declaring removal of corrupt cadres only to replace them with others. The image responds to recent ANC efforts at internal reform and minister reshuffles in South Africa amid persistent allegations of cadre deployment and graft in government departments.
A two-panel cartoon contrasts a South African police officer in uniform demanding a pass during apartheid with a figure in traditional attire and South African flag sash making a similar demand in a modern setting. The bottom banner labels the comparison 'Apartheid Then and Now.' The work appears in the Daily Maverick dated 1-7-26 and is signed by Zapiro.
Zapiro created this tribute illustration of Abdullah Ibrahim following the South African jazz pianist's death in 2026. The drawing shows Ibrahim at the keyboard with titles of his well-known works arrayed around him, including Mannenberg, District Six, Soweto Is Where It's At, African Suite, and others drawn from his discography spanning decades of performances rooted in Cape Town and broader African musical traditions.
On June 19, 2026, a cartoon shows Donald Trump at a podium criticizing U.S. border policies for barring or harassing World Cup players, fans and officials from Iran, Senegal, Morocco, Uzbekistan and Somalia. He asks what FIFA thinks of the situation. In a separate panel Trump urges Gianni to speak out while a figure labeled FIFA kneels at his feet. The image responds to ongoing enforcement actions near the 2026 tournament.
The cartoon depicts two men at a bar reacting to a Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act. One asks what is left to fix now that racism is declared solved. The image responds to recent rulings affecting redistricting and voter access in states like Louisiana. Justices including Roberts and Thomas are referenced in related tags. The piece highlights ongoing debates over race and electoral rules.
