Dr Nanda Soobben with his 2026 collector’s-edition calendar.
Image: Supplied
ACCLAIMED Durban cartoonist Dr Nanda Soobben has released his 2026 collector’s-edition calendar, this time paying tribute to a man he says embodies courage, integrity and an unwavering stand against corruption.
The calendar, titled “The Brave, The Truth and The Corrupt,” officially launched at the Books and Chai Festival on Sunday at the Umhlanga Apart Hotel.
For 15 years, Soobben’s annual calendars have highlighted individuals who have challenged injustice in South Africa. In recent years, his work has centred on women who confronted gender-based violence (GBV) and patriarchy.
“Last year, my calendar was about GBV. The year before it was about brave women who stood up against stupid men. This time I decided to choose a brave man, an anti-corruption hero. I chose KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi," said Soobben.
The award-winning artist said the shift was inspired by the exceptional courage he believed whistle-blower Mkhwanazi had shown in exposing deep-rooted corruption.
“I have been highlighting great women in this country because of the stupidity of men. Every time I do a cartoon, I am doing it to some stupid man. At last there is a man who is brave and honest and is standing up to corruption. I am paying tribute to Mkhwanazi and his brave stand. It is because of him that we now have the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that is exposing powerful politicians in this country."
Nanda Soobben's 2026 calendar was released at the weekend.
Image: Facebook
All the cartoons featured in the calendar were published in the POST, and, as Soobben notes, “they are mostly about corruption".
Reflecting on his creative process, Soobben said he wrestled with the idea of centring the calendar on a single figure, but ultimately felt Mkhwanazi’s actions merited the recognition.
“I always wanted to showcase inspiring people who I did the cartoons on. This year, I decided to focus on a brave man, who took a big chance in exposing corruption. I did take a leap of faith with having him as the focus but I believe he is an honest man who is telling the truth."
He added that the inclusion of anti-corruption heroine Babita Deokaran, whose murder shocked the country, was deliberate.
“I also added Babita because it was her death anniversary recently, and since Mkhwanazi has brought the commission, her death will be spoken of.”
Soobben said the new calendar was intended not only as a tribute, but as a national reminder.
“We are too used to corruption in this country. I wanted to make a statement with this calendar that it is not right. We should not accept corruption.”
As with previous editions, the 2026 calendar is expected to become a sought-after collector’s item.
“The calendars also become collector pieces because they speak of the history of our country from each year.”
Completing the project took about two weeks, during which he repeatedly refined his selection.
“I kept putting in cartoons and then removing them until I was happy with my end result. The one with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Senzo Mchunu is my favourite, and the one with Babita,” he said.
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