Latest news with #SunGoddess
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Sun Goddess' Vanya Mangaliso and musician Feya Faku laid to rest
Vanya Mangaliso and Feya Faku died just three days apart. Born 10 years apart, died just three days apart and laid to rest on the same day. Vanya Mangaliso and Feya Faku. Pictures: Supplied,Fashion designer Vanya Mangaliso and musician Feya Faku, who died just three days apart, were separately laid to rest on Saturday. Sun Goddess founder Mangaliso passed away on the 26th of June, while Faku died during his tour in Switzerland three days before that. Mangaliso was 53 at the time of her death, and Faku was 10 years older. ALSO READ: 'A profound loss': Fashion world mourns Sun Goddess Vanya Mangaliso 'She worked tirelessly for the good of her family' Mangaliso was widely respected for her contributions to South African fashion, a field to which she dedicated 25 years of her life. Speaking at the funeral, her son, Kwantu Mangaliso, said his mother was very special to many people. 'One thing I can say is that a role she took most seriously and a role that she excelled at was being a mother. Specifically being a mother to the four of us,' said Kwantu. Since her passing, tributes have poured in from various corners for the designer. Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, founder and chief executive of Africa Fashion International (AFI), described Mangaliso as a distinguished fashion designer and businesswoman. 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. 'My mother worked tirelessly for the good of her family and she helped build us into the people we are today. My mom was pretty much the hardest working person I knew,' said son, Kwantu. Mangaliso was laid to rest at the Heroes Acre in Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg. This is the same burial site where musicians like Mandoza and AKA, boxer Baby Jake Matlala and actor Joe Mafela were also buried. Mangaliso is survived by her husband, Thando Mangaliso; her children, Limani, Kwantu, Kwindla, and Kumkani Mangaliso; nieces, nephews, cousins; extended family; and her legacy, the Sun Goddess. ALSO READ: Jazz legend Feya Faku dies while on tour in Switzerland The trumpet was like his second voice Faku, an internationally renowned trumpeter, was buried in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. 'One of the things we have not done as South Africans is to appreciate Feya as a world-renowned trumpeter because most of the time Feya has been traveling across the globe,' said Gift Ngqondi, speaking for the family at the funeral. 'Whether he is attending the North Sea Jazz Festival, whether he was in Switzerland, or Norway and these are the places that Feya has performed than any other place in South Africa ' Fellow musician, saxophonist McCoy Mrubata, said he enjoyed Faku's style of playing the trumpet. 'The trumpet was like his second voice,' Mrubata said speaking to the SABC. 'He was very melodic and he had technique, but he could be very very soulful, you know, I used to enjoy his trumpet playing.' Before his demise, Faku was reportedly exploring the idea of starting a music program in New Brighton schools to help nurture musical talent in the community. NOW READ: WATCH: Modise Sekgothe, a poet equipped in the exercise of digging deep and baring himself naked
News24
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Vanya Mangaliso, the Sun Goddess Afrochic designer, redefined African fashion
Some would argue that in 2000, the fields to sow the seeds of dreams – when the fashion label Sun Goddess was born – were fertile for any seed to grow and that all it took was innovation and hard work for success to be realised. For Vanya and her husband, Thando Mangaliso, the Sun Goddess label came at a time when Afrocentric sentiment and expression were fast becoming part of our daily lives as we celebrated our democratic freedom. The year 2000 was the second year of president Thabo Mbeki's first term of office, when his programmes such as Vuku'zenzele gave rise to an unprecedented public sentiment that sought to promote African excellence on the global stage. Back then everyone was proud to recite Mbeki's speech, I am an African, that celebrated Africanness and heritage with pride as the winds of his African renaissance blew through the country. On fashion runways, Sun Goddess was sharing the spotlight with labels and designers including Loxion Kulcha, Stoned Cherrie, Darkie, Craig Native, Maya Prass, Julian, Bongiwe Walaza, Clive Rundle, Coleen Eitzen, Palse Homme, Gavin Rajah, Thula Sindi, Ephymol and Lee Shubert. David Tlale, who scooped the Elle Young Talent award in 2003, soon joined to also become a familiar label during SA Fashion Week. The Mangalisos have always been a mainstay on the SA Fashion Week stage and would remain so with their participation in this year's Spring/Summer instalment in April before Vanya's death on 26 June. What defined Sun Goddess, and labels such as Stoned Cherrie and Bongiwe Walaza, was their insistence on inserting their vision of elevating African fabrics and aesthetics into the luxury fashion space. They took the baton from previous pioneers including Nandipha Madikiza, Sister Bucks and Sonwabile Ndamase and succeeded on the world stage. The label loudly and boldly proclaimed that African fashion was about reclaiming our identity and exporting South Africa's cultural excellence to the world. The Vanya and Thando duo had the audacity to re-evaluate the worth of African fashion and did not ask for anyone's permission. It was in how they valued their labour and in the prices they charged for their goods. While detractors complained bitterly about the expensive prices of their items, Vanya's Rosebank store soon became a go-to for parliamentarians for state of the nation address outfits. Successful businesspeople and a burgeoning middle class relied on them to lead the fashion stakes for weddings and important corporate events. The Mount Ayliff-born Vanya told of the humble beginnings of their label when she and her husband started selling skirts from the boot of their car. Their heritage line, elevating the Xhosa umbaco fabrics and pipings, inspired Vanya to question the absence in South African fashion of any expressions of our heritage. She told reporters how, when she grew up as an only child, she always admired her mother's elegant wearing of umbaco. Armed with a Bachelor of Social Sciences from UCT, she started her career in Transnet's logistics division that offered her the opportunity to travel to several countries in the continent. She said the idea to start Sun Goddess as a formidable heritage fashion brand germinated then when she noticed how people from other African countries were proud to wear their own traditional fashion. When I would get off an aeroplane in Nigeria, I would know I was in Nigeria because of their traditional wear. But in South Africa it was not always the case, because fashion did not exist as we know it today. Vanya Mangaliso in an interview with Forbes The explosion of their fashion label saw the duo open four more stores nationwide, including in Cape Town and Durban, to add to their flagship Rosebank store. Back then, all the important functions and events advised guests to wear either black tie or traditional wear. This resulted in a surge of traffic into their stores as everyone tried to own a Sun Goddess outfit. The label carved a space as a luxury heritage fashion brand. This is how their website describes their fashion business ethos. The idea is to harvest stories and images of South African traditions through fashion. Our brand is rooted in heritage stories that celebrate a regal Africa transcending time and fashion. Vanya Mangaliso At their best, Sun Goddess used to employ more than 150 staff nationwide. The award-winning label showed at various international runways on four of the seven continents, including London Fashion Week and Singapore Fashion Week. In 2006 they won the South African Designer/Retailer of the Year. The label also ventured into various production of accessories, including bags and sunglasses. The German newspaper, The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, once referred to their label as Afro Gucci, which stuck with international fashion writers who used it liberally to describe the luxury of the intricate beadings and the opulence of the labour-intensive garments. Notable personalities who wore the label included R&B singer Goapele, actress Gabrielle Union and actor Dr John Kani, and they regularly collaborated with singer Ringo Madlingozi throughout his career. By 2009, however they had to take a decision to close three stores, as their downsizing journey began. This was due to lack of planning and capacity to manage their fast-growing expansion. Even though they tried to diversify, adding fragrances and headgear collections, the label's journey continued to experience a seesaw in fortunes with various highs and lows. Reports say the duo lost a massive amount of money when their perfume stocks of Goddess and Kumkani were lost in a flooding incident at their Rosebank store. Vanya, the petite and feisty designer was the label's creative director, always the confident spokesperson for the brand. Her husband, the quiet muscle behind their retail concepts, as well as partner and father to their four children. To live their brand, they would often coordinate outfits when appearing at events. Oupa Bopape / Gallo Images Vanya had a beautiful smile as big and blinding as the sun. She rarely stepped out of her home without a doek or fashionable fedora, honouring the traditional custom of covering your head to communicate respect. In the past decade, the label was no longer as prominent on runaway events, even though they were always a staple at the SA Fashion Week. There has been speculation in recent years about the couple's surviving stores and studios struggling to reach the highs seen in the early 2000s. Their physical stores remain at Nelson Mandela Square, The Palace of the Lost City and their studio in Constitutional Hill, Braamfontein. As many businesses saw the need to pivot to e-commerce, to move with the times and adapt to consumer spending after the Covid-19 pandemic, Sun Goddess' survival tactic was to launch and focus on their online store. Instagram Instagram Instagram A look at the main collection highlighted on their online store reveals in many ways a label still trapped in that early 2000s bubble of umbaco skirts and tops with piping details or animal print designs with regal maxi skirts and dresses. The designs have not evolved past 2010 to capture a younger audience who respond to a different fashion revolution. Perhaps it is deliberate to entrench their space as a heritage fashion brand. After all, this is what led the Sun Goddess label to be appreciated by older customers still trapped in the nostalgia of Mbeki's African renaissance era. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SUN GODDESS (@sungoddessafrolux) This year, the label turned 25 and they again showcased their Spring/Summer Langa Lethu collection at the SA Fashion Week this past April. Their collection showed a promise of new things to come in a largely sky-blue line they said was inspired by coastal waters and spiritual baptism. Even though they stayed true to their heritage, it offered glimpses of luring younger buyers with designs of shorter dresses and skirts, dainty materials and other dresses revealing bare shoulders. Was it one of the last times Vanya received a standing ovation from the audience? In her cream platform shoes, a zebra print midi-dress with batwing sleeves incorporating umbaco piping, she walked ahead of her husband, showing gratitude for doing what she loved with her hands clasped together in front of her chest, as if in prayer. Thando, in a black structured suit, followed behind pointing at his wife as if to acknowledge that she was the brains behind the garments or the real star of their Sun Goddess show. The last collection the label posted on their Facebook page, the Mandulo Winter Collection, also featured elements of shorter hemlines and the blend of more romantic materials with animal prints dominating the aesthetic. At the SA Fashion Week in April, Vanya's face was gaunt, but she appeared happy, hiding her battle against cancer, which the public was unaware of. The fashion community learnt of Vanya's death when her label's Instagram page announced last Thursday that the style maverick, who was born on 14 March 1972, died peacefully in her home on 26 June at the age of 53. Her husband of more than 25 years later shared that she had finally succumbed to cancer. Today is the saddest day of my life. My Minty lost her battle with cancer and passed away in my arms yesterday afternoon. Thando Mangaliso Vanya was buried on Saturday, 5 July in a private funeral whose service started at Rosebank Union Church. Her final resting place is the Heroes Acre at Westpark Cemetery. She is survived by her husband and four children: daughter Limani and sons Kwindla, Kwantu and Kumkani.
News24
05-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News24
Vanya Mangaliso remembered as a fashion icon and devoted matriarch
Vanya Mangaliso, who passed away on 26 June after a battle with cancer, was celebrated for her influence in fashion and her profound impact on South African cultural identity. Her four children offered deeply personal tributes, describing a mother who instilled in them values of unity, self-awareness, and resilience while embracing her love for nature and spirituality. Born on 14 March 1972 in Mount Ayliff, Mangaliso viewed her role as a mother as her greatest accomplishment – a sentiment echoed by her husband, Thando, who highlighted her passion for family and her enduring legacy Fashion maverick Vanya Mangaliso was laid to rest on Saturday, 5 July, at the Heroes Acre in Westpark Cemetery. The creative director and co-founder of the Sun Goddess fashion label succumbed to cancer on Thursday, 26 June. While industry peers, relatives and friends painted a portrait of her adventurous spirit and celebrated her successful fashion journey, it was her four children—Limani, Kumkani, Kwantu and Kwindla—who revealed who she was beyond the public eye. To them, she was the stylish mom who wore the best outfits while washing the family car, the teacher who introduced them to the teachings of Credo Mutwa and Steve Biko, and the free spirit who insisted they find their voice in the world. Through tributes from her husband and children, another side of Vanya emerged: an ardent nature lover who found joy in walks, hikes and horse riding. After her husband Thando introduced her to the sport, the two often rode together to escape life's stresses and reconnect with nature. READ | Entrepreneur Vanya Mangaliso, Sun Goddess founder, dies aged 53 Her children shared that it felt as though their mother somehow knew her time would be short – she filled their lives with lessons on family unity, self-identity and the importance of loving and protecting one another. She was the spiritual pillar of the family, grounding them in faith and resilience. All four children spoke eloquently about her deep sense of intention as a mother and the sacrifices she made for the sake of the family. They spoke, too, of the pain of watching her body deteriorate in her final days – saying it was as though her body had to break so that her spirit could be free. Vanya viewed her four children as her greatest achievement – a sentiment echoed by her husband Thando in his moving tribute.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- 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
29-06-2025
- 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."
