Latest news with #Mangaliso
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘A profound loss': Fashion world mourns Sun Goddess Vanya Mangaliso
Friends, colleagues, and those who love Sun Goddess have paid tribute to Mangaliso. Tributes have poured in for Vanya Mangaliso following her passing. Picture: sungoddessmarimba/Instagram Fashion designer and entrepreneur Vanya Mangaliso has passed away at the age of 53, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the fashion world. Her passing was confirmed through a statement shared on Sun Goddess' social media pages. 'She passed away peacefully on Thursday, 26 June 2025, surrounded by loved ones,' read the statement. 'Vanya Mangaliso was widely respected for her contributions to South African fashion, a field she dedicated 25 years of her life to. She led her multi-award-winning brand, which has received over 50 awards both locally and internationally, proudly representing South African fashion,' expressed the statement. The statement goes on to celebrate her, noting that her work has touched countless lives. This is expressed in the manner and outpouring of messages from colleagues, friends, and those who loved the Sun Goddess brand. Like many people, I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Vanya Mangaliso. I was introduced to Vanya by Unathi Nkayi in 2004. We spent years in and out of the Sun Goddess studios, and in that time, a warm and respectful friendship was formed between the Mangaliso… — @luphumlongcayisa (@luphumlongcayis) June 28, 2025 'The family kindly requests privacy as they grieve this immense loss. We ask the public and media to respect their space and refrain from any direct contact during this time.' ALSO READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzambo Mbatha feel like a 'new person' 'A distinguished fashion designer and businesswoman' Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, founder and chief executive of Africa Fashion International (AFI), described Mangaliso as a distinguished fashion designer and businesswoman. Mangaliso co-founded the luxury fashion brand Sun Goddess with her husband, Thando. 'Almost immediately, the brand became part of national memory and admired for its fashion-forward isiXhosa, Sesotho and Tshivenda aesthetics,' said Moloi-Motsepe. 'Her loss is a profound one for the fashion industry on the continent.' David Tlale, a fellow designer who emerged in the 2000s around the same time as Mangaliso, also paid tribute to her. 'Oh Vanya Mangaliso. You ran your race, a true African woman who shaped South African Fashion and heritage,' said Tlale. 'Your work and efforts to unite the fashion industry will forever be remembered and continue. Your positive and kind spirit lives forever. To the Mangaliso's family, may the Lord comfort you and guide you through this difficult time.' Vanya Mangaliso (Sun Goddess) passed away. What a remarkable woman. Vanya created what was called the Afro-Gucci. She was the first to commercialise African designer wear taking it from the back room to boutique stores in top malls. She cracked the door open for Maxhosa, Bathu… — ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) June 27, 2025 ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula paid tribute to Mangaliso as a trailblazer in the fashion world. 'She was the first to commercialise African designer wear, taking it from the back room to boutique stores in top malls. She cracked the door open for Maxhosa, Bathu and others by mainstreaming African designers and brands,' wrote Mbalula. Thank you Mrs Vanya ManglisoSunGoddess for making me the most beautiful fan in the whole world by dressing me started 20l6 going to Brazil RiO De Janeiro Olympics I have known her through @KassNaidoo @gsport4girls Rest in Peace ,,Condolences to Mangaliso family — MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) June 27, 2025 Popular sports supporter Mama Joy Chauke thanked Mangaliso for helping her dress in proudly South African attire, which Mama Joy wore at global sporting events. 'Thank you, Mrs Vanya Mangaliso Sun Goddess, for making me the most beautiful fan in the whole world by dressing me; started [in] 2016, going to [the] Brazil Rio de Janeiro Olympics.' NOW READ: Boitshepo Lamola to fly SA flag at Miss Grand International 2025 in Bangkok
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Fashion community pays tribute to visionary behind Sun Goddess Vanya Mangaliso
The South African fashion industry is mourning the loss of fashion icon and cultural pioneer Vanya Mangaliso, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 53. Image: Vanya Mangaliso Tribute Tributes from across the country and the global fashion community have begun pouring in following the news of the passing of Vanya Mangaliso, the celebrated designer and Creative Director of the acclaimed fashion brand, Sun Goddess. Known for her fierce celebration of African heritage and her role in shaping the country's fashion identity, Mangaliso's influence spanned over two decades. Her family confirmed that she died surrounded by loved ones and has requested privacy as they grieve this immeasurable loss. Mangaliso co-founded Sun Goddess in the early 2000s and quickly rose to become one of South Africa's most respected creative voices. The label, rooted in African storytelling and heritage, inspired designs, and earned her and the brand over 50 prestigious awards locally and internationally. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Many in the fashion industry, as well as those outside of it, have taken to social media to express their admiration for Mangaliso's legacy. Industry peers praised her as a visionary who remained deeply grounded in her cultural identity. Fashion designer David Tlale wrote: "Oh Vanya Mangaliso. You ran your race, a true African Woman who shaped South African Fashion and heritage. "Your work and efforts to unite the Fashion Industry will forever be remembered and continue. Your positive and kind spirit lives forever. To the Mangaliso's family may The Lord comfort you and guide you through this difficult time." Renowned performance poet, Lebo Mashile wrote: "My heart goes out to @sungoddessafrolux, Thando, her children, their family, and all who love them. "I am thankful that I got the chance to tell Vanya what she means to me. We have lost a visionary of culture and fashion. A style icon. You gave us back to ourselves. Rest well Qhawekazi. Shine amongst the stars."
