Mthambothini — Friends, family and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Gogo Esther Mahlangu’s iconic 90th birthday on 11 November 2025.
The living room was alive with colour, laughter and the soulful rhythm of IsiNdebele songs. Traditional dancers swayed gracefully, echoing the bold patterns that have made Mahlangu a living legend.
Among the guests were members of the Ndzundza traditional house, family friends, department employees. The event was modest, reflecting Mahlangu’s personality — not overly glamorous, but filled with love and respect.
Deputy minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe and Dr JS Moroka mayor Nomsa Mtsweni joined the celebration, presenting Mahlangu with flowers amid applause and heartfelt cheers.
“We gathered to celebrate Dr Esther Mahlangu’s 90 years of colourful strokes, vibrant masterpieces and a whole love put into every brushstroke,” said Mabe.
The Department announced Mahlangu as the 2025 recipient of the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series (VTALLRS). Launched in 2023, the initiative honours and recognises living legends who have played a great role and made a significant contribution to the creative and cultural industries, particularly in the arts and culture. Previous honourees include Dr Pitika Ntuli, Dr James Matthews, Dr Peter Magubane, the late Dr Madosini Mpahleni and Dr John Kani.
Mahlangu’s paintings have captivated audiences worldwide. “Her selfless efforts created a ripple effect of kindness, empathy and connection that will continue to spread far beyond her immediate circle. Dr Esther Mahlangu’s contributions to discovering new talent played a vital role in introducing emerging artists to new audiences, helping shape the Arts industry’s future,” said Mabe.
Dressed elegantly in her vibrant isiNdebele attire, Mahlangu moved slowly but proudly among her guests, a figure of grace and quiet strength. Expressing her gratitude, the frail Mahlangu said, “Ngiyathokoza, ngithokoza khulu.”
To preserve Mahlangu’s artworks, the coal company Thungela handed over an art studio to her at home last year. Mahlangu expressed her delight, saying, “What can I say? I’m happy about this.”
She also established the Esther Mahlangu Art School in her village, dedicated to preserving and passing on traditional Ndebele painting techniques to younger generations.
In 2023, Mahlangu was one of the six artists whose artwork transformed the 100% electric BMW i5 into a canvas of distinct generative art, blending her signature style with artificial intelligence. She has maintained a creative partnership with the German car brand for over 30 years and was the first woman to create artwork on a BMW 525i sedan.
