University of Johannesburg has decided to honour South African Ndebele artist, Esther Mahlangu, for “her legacy as a cultural entrepreneur & educator, skillfully negotiating local and global worlds”.
“With this honorary doctorate, we recognise 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 UJ.
In the context of current debates in South African institutions of higher learning on questions of decolonisation of the curriculum. Esther Mahlangu is a living example of how authentic African knowledge systems can be articulated meaningfully and sustainably,” said Freschi.
“In her, we have an icon worthy of being looked up to by the next generation of creatives, and the University, in particular, FADA is greatly honoured to confer the degree of Philosophiae Doctor honoris causa upon her.”
“We are thrilled by the news that internationally renowned Artist, Mama Esther Mahlangu, will be conferred with an Honourary Doctorate by the University of Johannesburg for “her legacy as a cultural entrepreneur & educator, skillfully negotiating local and global worlds (sic)” – Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa congratulated Esther Mahlangu on Twitter.
Esther was the first woman to create artwork on a BMW 525i Sedan turning it into a unique and colourful BMW Art Car! Watch the video below:
https://www.facebook.com/BMWSA/videos/10154293679867723/