ALL ROADS LEAD TO KGHODWANA FOR DR ESTHER MAHLANGU’S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Everybody who means something to Dr Esther Mahlangu will be at Kghodwana Cultural Village on Friday, November 14, for her 90th birthday celebration, starting at 11:00.
“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 to celebrate Dr Esther Mahlangu’s 90th birthday. 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.
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. 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. The official,” 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