The legendary painter, Dr Esther Mahlangu, received a new, fully furnished house at her homestead in KwaNdebele, Mpumalanga.
The handover, hosted by BMW in celebration of the car maker’s long-lasting relationship with the painter, happened on Thursday, 3 October.
Gogo Mahlangu’s new house, painted in the vibrant isiNdebele culture, has two bedrooms and two studio offices, providing her with a comfortable work area, a kitchen, a dining room, and a bathroom suitable for the icon.
At 89, the legendary artist was able to pull off dance moves as she expressed her joy at moving into her new house.
“My heart is overwhelmed with joy. I’ll be able to sleep peacefully in my new house and lay my grass mats everywhere,” gogo Esther said.
For over 30 years, the German automobile brand has been a proud partner with gogo Esther, blending traditional isiNdebele art with contemporary automotive design since 1991.
The group has established over 100 long-term initiatives in modern and contemporary art, classical music, jazz, sound, architecture, and design.
Chief Executive Officer at BMW Group South Africa, Peter van Binsbergen, highlighted that gogo Esther’s journey of tradition and innovation with BMW led to their decision to build her the house.
“The opening of Esther Mahlangu’s house is a tribute to her innovative and disruptive spirit, iconic global resonance, and dedication to advancing the BMW Group brand.”
“On behalf of BMW Group South Africa, I thank her for 33 years of redefining the automotive industry through culture,” Binsbergen said.
He also acknowledged the work they did with gogo Esther, noting that it would be sustained for future generations even when the icon has long departed.
