News24 | ‘A massive loss’: Sun Goddess’ Vanga Mangaliso dies

South African designer, entrepreneur, and owner of Sun Goddess Vanya Mangaliso has died.

Vanya Mangaliso, renowned designer and co-founder of South Africa’s iconic fashion brand Sun Goddess, has died.

According to a statement shared by the brand on its official Instagram account on Friday, the 53-year-old Mangaliso died on Thursday.

“The family kindly requests privacy as they grieve this immense loss,” the statement reads.

“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.

“Her work touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the people of her beloved country, community, colleagues, friends, and family.”

Mangaliso founded the successful Sun Goddess in 2001 with her husband, Thando. Over the past 23 years, the couple have dressed some of the most admired A-listers for prestigious awards and ceremonies. Some of their designs have been worn by international stars, including actress Gabriel Union, who visited one of their stores in 2022. The brand has showcased at some of the biggest platforms globally such as the London Fashion Week, and the Singapore Fashion Week.

In an interview with Drum in 2024, Mangaliso expressed being incredibly proud over the brand’s contribution to South African fashion.

“We are incredibly proud to have contributed to defining and ushering in a new era of South African fashion,” she said.

Reacting to the news of Mangaliso’s passing, fellow designer David Tlale said: “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 continued. Your positive and kind spirit lives forever. To the Mangaliso family, may the Lord comfort you and guide you through this difficult time.”

The SA Fashion Week official account also expressed sadness over Mangaliso’s death: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Vanya! A massive loss to the industry.”

Uyanda Sibiya (formerly Mbuli) described Mangaliso as a “storyteller in cloth”.

“You didn’t just create garments - you curated heritage. You didn’t just walk the runway - you walked history back to itself. And now, gone too soon - you’ve taken your final bow,‘ Sibiya wrote in the comments.“