Simple Ndebele paintings modernized

Duduzile Mahlangu a 29 year old who was born and bred in Mthambothini, Mpumalanga, is giving a modernized look to our simple Ndebele paintings. This tribal painter is the owner of Ddzl designs, where she gives her clients the best traditional artwork on their sneakers, caps, bags, t-shirts and she even paints houses. She said that she was very young when she realized her love for designing, " I realized my love for designing when I was eight years old, I was very luck to have Francina Ndimande and her daughter, Angelina Ndimande who opened their home for me to learn Ndebele style paintings," said Mahlangu.

She was trained to create bead-work, hand-printed fabrics, pottery and crafts made from recycling glass, tins, plastic and other materials found locally. Mahlangu said: " She ( Francina Ndimande) then built a school for us called Ndebele Foundation, a non profit community-based organisation that trained women to create and sell craft work and manage their finances."

Ndebele Tomy sneakers designed by Duduzile Mahlangu

Her love for artwork got a a great opportunity when she completed her matric, she got an opportunity to be a exchange  student in America for a year, six months in California and 6 months in  Philadephia  where she got an opportunity to teach kids Ndebele Paintings at schools and at African American Museum in Philadelphia. She the came back in South Africa and Studied textile design and Technology at The Tshwane University of Technology.

A t-shirt, cap and a watch designed by Duduzile Mahlangu owner of Ddzl designs

         She said that what makes her different from other tribal painters is that she understands what her clients want and makes sure that she delivers. As she started her business last year, she sure does face challenges like any other entrepreneur, " I struggle to get my orders done so I send other orders to my sisters in Mpumalanga to help me," she said.

A happy client, Mmathapelo Machika said that she bought two t-shirts from Ddzl designs and they were how she wanted them to be. Machika said that she loves the service Ddzl designs gives to their clients," I am a loyal customer, Ddzl knows how to maintain a standard when it comes to customer service, I am not complaining at ll" said Machika. She mentioned that she has already told other people about Ddzl designs and she loves the fact that their products are classy, attractive, traditional and unique.

Mahlangu's friend of four years described her as a loving, dependable, trustworthy and easy going person. She said that as a friend she chose to support Mahlangu on her business, " When she started her business I chose to embrace it and support her all the way" she said  
" Her dream is to become the next Esther Mahlangu as she sees her as her inspiration" 


She plans on employing people because the business is really busy now. She said that if she was not a designer she would be an actor

For more on her work visit her FB page: Ddzl designs