Esther Mahlangu, the legendary South African artist, recently received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from BMW Group South Africa at the inaugural South African Creative Arts Awards (Saca), held at Sandton Convention Centre on March 30th.
Dr. Mahlangu, a longstanding collaborator with BMW, received honours for her exceptional contributions to contemporary art throughout her illustrious 50-year career.
Introduced by Minister Zizi Kodwa of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture last year, the Saca aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate remarkable artistic and technical achievements in the arts and culture sector. Mahlangu’s partnership with BMW Group South Africa, spanning over three decades, reached a significant milestone with this award.
In 1991, she became the 12th Art Car artist selected by BMW Group, making history as the first African and female artist commissioned to create a BMW Art Car. Her design on the BMW 525i Art Car garnered global attention, showcasing traditional Ndebele elements and pioneering the integration of art into automotive design.
In a joint announcement, BMW Group South Africa and the Iziko Museums of South Africa revealed the retrospective exhibition “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu,” curated by Nontobeko Ntombela. This exhibition celebrates Mahlangu’s creative journey and features the iconic BMW 525i Art Car, returning to South Africa after more than three decades.
Thilosh Moodally, director of government affairs and communications at BMW Group South Africa, expressed gratitude for Mahlangu’s groundbreaking contributions and emphasized the importance of recognizing her achievements. “To witness a living icon – one who has contributed significantly to the innovation that we so greatly believe in – is truly precious,” Moodally said. She thanked the minister for introducing the awards ceremony, which inspires both the nation and beyond.
