'Absurd' age restriction for Zapiro doccie dropped

The Appeals Tribunal of the Film and Publications Board has ruled that the initial rating of 16 LNP (SV) on a documentary on cartoonist Jonathan "Zapiro" Shapiro's life, The Showerhead, was unwarranted and gave it a more sensible 13 L (SV) rating.

- Bonginkosi Tiwane

"At least the Appeals Tribunal has seen sense," averred the cartoonist following the ruling.

The Showerhead details Mzansi's most celebrated cartoonist's journey from his beginnings as a liberation artist and political detainee during apartheid, to his rise as a champion of freedom of expression.

This lower rating advises audiences that the film contains scenes containing strong language and references to sexual violence.

The rationale for the appeal was that South Africa's Film and Publication Board does not have the power to police political criticism.

Zapiro's cartoons depicted in the film can be freely accessed on the internet and in his books by anyone without the condition of an age restriction.