From Humble Beginnings to Dr Cartoonist

NANDA SOOBBEN acknowledged for his contribution

NANDA SOOBBEN has come a long way since scrawling sketches on the wall of his childhood home with charcoal.

Last year he was presented with an honorary doctorate award by the Durban University of Technology - an institution forged from the one which once denied him an education because of the apartheid laws. Despite those early setbacks, armed with determination and talent, Nanda became South Africa's first (and for some time only) Black political cartoonist during the apartheid era, and went on to establish a name for himself both locally and internationally. He has since established CFAD, a Multi Media Art School which he owns and runs to ensure that young artistic talent today is afforded the education he was denied. Nanda's work is included in Nelson Mandela's private collection and also held by The Smithsonian Institute.

Sandi Wells recently interviewed Nanda on the AfricanColours.com website.

Nanda Soobben, receiving his honorary Doctorate from the Durban University of Technology.

Nanda's studio space, at the entrance of CFAD, the multi media art school he founded.

Early days: Nanda (left) at the launch of his solo exhibition in New York.

Posted on Feb 09, 2011 by Africartoons