On June 12, 2009, South African cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, known as Zapiro, published a controversial cartoon depicting Nelson Mandela holding a balance scale between justice and political pressure. Released during debates on the future of the National Prosecuting Authority, the cartoon reignited national conversations around race, accountability, and Mandela\’s enduring legacy. Zapiro’s work has often been provocative, challenging post-apartheid complacency and ANC leadership. The cartoon drew both praise and backlash, reflecting South Africa’s struggle to reconcile liberation ideals with the realities of governance and corruption. June 12 became a focal point in discussions about the role of Black leadership in upholding justice.
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