South Africans Celebrate Legendary Artist Dr. Esther Mahlangu’s Honorary Doctoral Degree
"We may now call her Dr. Esther Mahlangu."
The legendary artist, who is known for her colorful graphics, received an honorary doctoral degree at the University of Johannesburg on Monday night.
"We recognize Esther Mahlangu for her legacy as a cultural entrepreneur, skillfully negotiating local and global worlds, and as an educator," said Professor Federico Freschi, the executive dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) at the university.
Mahlangu, 83, carved her own lane in the arts industry by referencing her Ndebele culture in her graphics. Her work is celebrated by South Africans and the world alike.
One of her most celebrated international accolades is the creation of the BMW Art Car, first in 1991 and again in 2017, which made her the first woman and African to ever embellish the car. She was commissioned by the automobile giant to create artwork on the BMW 525i and the 7 Series.
Below are some tweets from Mahlangu's graduation and reactions from her fans.
Ndebele artist and intenational icon, Esther Nikwambi Mahlangu on her arrival at @go2uj. The programme has just begun, join the live stream on https://t.co/Rmy1RrwNR9#UJEstherMahlangupic.twitter.com/znOBqVhx48
— Lindiwe Dhlamini (@Lisher_Rayze) 9 April 2018
LOOK: #EstherMahlangu receives her honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Monday. Pictures: Dimpho Maja/ African News Agency (ANA) pic.twitter.com/MBlDydP0nC
— IOL News (@IOL) 9 April 2018
As a traditionalist you have made us proud Dr Mamma Esther, by allowing the world to witness Ndebele cultural expression and ensuring the survival of Ndebele arts you continue teaching many youngsters. Congratulations on your Honorary Doctorate! #UJEstherMahlangu@mediauj
— University of JHB (@go2uj) 9 April 2018
Mama Esther Mahlangu's entourage arrives at the UJ Kingsway auditorium for her Honorary degree graduation ceremony... dressed in Traditional Ndebele Apparel. #EstherMahlangu#sabcnewspic.twitter.com/lRomz01BN9
— Lopang Alamu (@LopangAlamu) 9 April 2018
The whole house stands to honor Artist Esther Mahlangu #sabcnewspic.twitter.com/VUWYdsqEPp
— angela bolowana (@angybee) 9 April 2018
We may now call her DR ESTHER MAHLANGU! #EstherMahlangu#sabcnewspic.twitter.com/lNLaJcqhui
— Lopang Alamu (@LopangAlamu) 9 April 2018
Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you - Dr Esther Mahlangu 👏🏾👏🏾✊🏿✊🏿😭 pic.twitter.com/WP8AFQrZHe
— Banele Christopher (@Banele_C) 9 April 2018
A big congratulations to Gogo Esther Mahlangu who just received an honorary doctorate at the University of Johannesburg. Umhle khulu Gogo!😍We love you!❤🎉 pic.twitter.com/PkShTraiMo
— Hlengiwe_Motaung (@Pearl_Swandhle) 9 April 2018
Thanks to #UJ for valorizing indigenous knowledge by honouring #EstherMahlangu with an honorary doctorate. No one deserves the honor more than the 81yr-old, masterful painter of iSindebele art. pic.twitter.com/6Fwpo8NVlo
— ProfTinyiko Maluleke (@ProfTinyiko) 9 April 2018
After tonight Mama Esther Mahlangu will be Dr Mahlangu. The University of Johannesburg will confer an honorary doctorate degree to one of the most creative, innovative, inspirational and timeless souls of our time.
Halala Dr #EstherMahlangu Halala👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/eBWBo8kKW4
— Christo (@ChristoThurston) 9 April 2018