Bulelwa Hoala

South African designer and creative director of luxury fashion and lifestyle brand Sun Goddess, Vanya Mangaliso, passed away on Thursday, 26 June 2025.
She was 53 years old.
Her passing was announced in a statement posted on the brand’s social media pages on Friday, 27 June 2025.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vanya Mangaliso, a renowned designer and Creative Director of the Afrochic Heritage fashion brand, Sun Goddess. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at the age of 53, surrounded by loved ones,” the statement read.
Mangaliso’s husband of 26 years, Thando Mangaliso, paid tribute to her in a poignant Instagram post, revealing that she passed away from cancer.
“Today is the saddest day of my life . My Minty lost her battle with cancer and passed away in my arms , yesterday afternoon,” wrote Thando. “Our family and children remain our greatest achievement. I’m shattered and I have my children to comfort me . I thank God for giving me my wife,” he added.
Vanya Mangaliso co-founded the Afrochic label Sun Goddess alongside her husband Thando in 2001.
At its peak, the multi-award-winning fashion brand graced runways around the world and won over 50 awards.
Notable celebrities who have worn Sun Goddess garments include American soul and R&B singer Goapele, Hollywood actress Gabrielle Union, and South African actors Dr John Kani and Mona Monyane.
The Mangaliso family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss.
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