Esther Mahlangu Earns National Award for Iconic Collaborations with BMW

Known as a stalwart in African art and an icon in the local motoring sphere for blending the mesmerising Ndebele style of painting on BMW models, Dr. Esther Mahlangu has now been presented with a prestigious award by BMW. 

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BMW Group South Africa bestowed Dr. Esther Mahlangu, a longstanding collaborator, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA). The ceremony, held at Sandton Convention Centre on March 30, recognized Mahlangu’s exceptional contributions to contemporary art over her illustrious 50-year career.

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Minister Zizi Kodwa of the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture introduced the SACA last year to honour individuals who exhibit remarkable artistic and technical achievements in the arts and culture sector. The award ceremony marked a significant milestone in Mahlangu’s partnership with BMW Group South Africa, spanning over three decades. In 1991, Mahlangu became the 12th Art Car artist selected by BMW Group, becoming 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 her traditional Ndebele elements and pioneering the integration of art into automotive design.

BMW Group South Africa and the Iziko Museums of South Africa jointly announced the retrospective exhibition “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective, 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.

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Thilosh Moodally, BMW Group South Africa Director of Government Affairs and Communications, 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