South African cartoonist Zapiro has released a new work titled 'Mea non culpa', commenting on themes of corruption and leadership in the country. The cartoon references key figures including President Cyril Ramaphosa and former president Jacob Zuma.
On October 21, 2025, renowned South African cartoonist Zapiro published 'Mea non culpa' on the Daily Maverick website. The title, a play on the Latin phrase for admitting fault, suggests a satirical take on denial or lack of accountability in politics.
The cartoon is tagged with references to Cyril Ramaphosa, Jacob Zuma, Eskom, corruption, and even Donald Trump, indicating connections to ongoing South African issues like state capture, power utility scandals, and broader political hypocrisy. Additional tags mention Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe and Ngwako Kgatla, possibly linking to recent controversies in social services or government oversight.
Zapiro, known for his sharp political commentary under the 'Defend Truth' banner, uses the piece to highlight persistent themes of corruption in South Africa. No direct quotes from the cartoon or creators are available in the source material, but the publication aligns with Daily Maverick's focus on investigative journalism and opinion pieces.
This cartoon appears amid a landscape of top stories on the site, including arms exports, crime affidavits, and tenderpreneurism, underscoring broader concerns about governance and ethics in the nation.