Artists, admirers and DCSR MEC Leah Mabuza will come together to celebrate the incredible journey and contributions of Dr. Esther Mahlangu, an icon of Ndebele art and culture, as she marks her monumental 90th birthday. Picture Credit City Life Arts
By Montsho Matlala
Kghodwana: This Friday, November 14, everyone who holds Dr. Esther Mahlangu dear will converge at the Kghodwana Cultural Village for her 90th birthday celebration, commencing at 11:00 AM. This monumental occasion aims to honor not only her longevity but also her immense contributions to the arts and culture.
Sibongile Nkosi, spokesperson for the department, expressed the enthusiasm surrounding this event: “We’re bringing everyone under one roof to celebrate the milestone of our national treasure and to honour her contribution to the arts. As the custodians of arts and culture in the province, we are pulling out all the stops. We’ve invited sister departments and the private sector to collaborate and create a memorable experience for her and what she symbolizes.” Attendees are encouraged to share their own tributes using the official hashtag #90YearsOfDrEstherMahlangu.
Dr. Esther Mahlangu, born on November 11, 1935, in Middelburg, has been a transformative figure in bringing Ndebele art to the global forefront. Throughout her remarkable career, she has served as a cultural ambassador, with her works exhibited in esteemed museums worldwide. Notably, Dr. Mahlangu has collaborated with renowned international brands, including BMW and Belvedere Vodka, and even worked with artists like John Legend. Her influence is so profound that a street in New York was named in her honor, featuring a mural inspired by her iconic Ndebele designs. In 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government is dedicated to celebrating her legacy with a program that reflects her artistic journey and the cultural heritage she inspires. The official birthday celebration promises to be a fitting tribute to her life’s work.
Adding to the festivities, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms. Peace Mabe, will honor Dr. Mahlangu through the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series at the Mama Esther Mahlangu Cultural Village in KwaMhlanga. This event, taking place on Tuesday, will recognize Dr. Mahlangu as a celebrated Living Legend and key figure in South Africa’s cultural and artistic heritage.
The Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series, an initiative of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), is dedicated to celebrating and supporting living legends who have made extraordinary contributions to the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. Previous honorees include notable figures such as Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim, Dr. Tete Mbambisa, and Dr. John Kani.
As the celebrations unfold, the legacy of Dr. Esther Mahlangu will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
