BESPOKE COMMISSION

Dr Esther Mahlangu is an acclaimed Ndebele cultural ambassador who is famed for her artistic touches to modern-day mediums. In her career, spanning over seven decades, she has made a name for herself for her pioneering role in adding Ndebele art to items such as bicycles, skateboards, war-helmets and even aeroplanes. Now, though, she has added her signature art to one of the more bespoke vehicles currently on sale. Named the Mahlangu Rolls-Royce Phantom, it features a ‘Gallery’ that spans the width of the dashboard. This area, which is also a focal point in the car’s interior, will feature the 84-year-old artist’s work, enclosed by a piece of glass. According to Rolls-Royce, Dr Esther Mahlangu has been commissioned by a South African patron of the carmaker to create a unique work of art for the one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce Phantom.