Dr Esther Mahlangu’s 90th birthday will be celebrated this Friday!
It will be take place at Kghodwana Cultural Village on Friday, November 14 from 11:00. As the custodians of arts and culture in the province, the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Dr Esther Mahlangu’s 90th birthday.
“We’re bringing everyone under one roof to celebrate the milestone of our national treasure and to honour her contribution to the arts. We’ve invited sister departments and the private sector to come together to make this milestone memorable for her
and what she stands for,” says the department’s spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi, adding that the official hashtag of the birthday celebration is #90YearsOfDrEstherMahlangu.
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Born in Middelburg in 1935 on November 11, the soon-to-be nonagenarian has taken Ndebele art to the global stage. Throughout her illustrious career, she has served as a cultural ambassador, with her works exhibited in leading museums worldwide. She has collaborated with international brands and artists, including BMW, Belvedere Vodka, and John Legend.
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In recognition of her impact, a street in New York has been named in her honour, featuring a mural inspired by her iconic Ndebele designs. In 2018, the University of Johannesburg awarded her an honorary doctorate for her outstanding contribution to the arts.
“The Mpumalanga Provincial Government will celebrate her legacy and lifetime achievements with a programme that reflects her artistic journey and the cultural heritage she inspires,” concludes Nkosi.
The event details are as follows:
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 11:00
Venue: Kghodwana Cultural Village, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Nkangala District
