Festival of Entrepreneuship Exhibitiion
Nene Mahlangu
Biography of the artist
Nene Mahlangu is an exceptionally talented visual artist, illustrator, and painter residing in Johannesburg, South Africa. She possesses a diploma in Contemporary Design and Architecture, as well as a BSc degree in Medical Sciences. Her artwork primarily explores themes of femininity, faith, and freedom, drawing deep inspiration from sensuality and empowerment.
Social Media
Instagram: @nenemahlangu
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Masonwabe Ntloko
Biography of the artist
Masonwabe Ntloko (b.1996) is a multidisciplinary South African artist and textile design graduate who has built a distinct visual language inspired by Black South African life, heritage, and community. He began his career in the music industry, designing for major labels like Universal Music, Sony Music, Warner Music, and working with icons such as Jimmy Dludlu and Simphiwe Dana. He later founded his eponymous brand, Masonwabe Ntloko, which explores narrative through textiles, illustration, product design, and fine art. His work is known for its strong sense of identity, cultural roots, and visual honesty.
Social Media
Instagram: @masonwabentloko
OFENTSE MOTSOANE
Biography of the artist
IOfentse Motsoane is a contemporary visual artist hailing from Mafikeng, South Africa. More than just brushstrokes on canvas, Ofentse's art is a testament to profound personal transformation. After a 17-year battle with drug addiction, a miraculous encounter with God led to a journey of deliverance, healing, restoration and rebirth. For years, addiction silenced Ofentse's artistic voice, stealing the gift of creation. Now, since his deliverance on June 16th 2018, Ofentse's art powerfully expresses the essence of who we are in God, the joy of recovery, the strength of faith, hope, grace and the vibrant colors of a life reclaimed.
Social Media
Instagram: @ofentsemotsoane_art
Gugu Mnguni
Biography of the artist
Gugu Mnguni is a talented South African artist based in Johannesburg. She developed a passion for visual arts in high school and honed her skills at Artist Proof Studio, graduating in 2021. Gugu's artistic specialties include watercolor monotype, drypoint, and linocut. Her work celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the beauty of imperfection, and the importance of family and togetherness. Through vibrant portraits, Gugu showcases unique bodies with scars and quirks, promoting self-acceptance and confidence. As someone who has faced physical adversity, she invites viewers to reflect on the relationship between body and identity, embracing imperfection and finding comfort in their own skin. Her work is also a love letter to family — capturing the joy and beauty of shared moments and the memories we create when we prioritise love and appreciation. Gugu has conducted printmaking demonstrations at schools including Roedean Girls' School, St Stithians Girls' College, and St Vincent Deaf School. While pursuing her career as a full-time artist, she worked as an assistant teacher at Artist Proof Studio as part of her senior grad program. Committed to creating a positive learning environment, she completed a facilitator's course in 2023. She continues to explore and push the boundaries of her craft, with her journey serving as a testament to her dedication and creativity.
Social Media
Instagram: @gugulethu_art
Fhatuwani Mukheli
Biography of the artist
Fhatuwani Mukheli (b. 1985, Soweto) is a self-taught, multidisciplinary creative working across painting, photography, and film. Based in Johannesburg, he moves fluidly between commercial and artistic worlds, bringing an emotionally grounded and socially conscious perspective to every medium he works in. His creative journey began at the age of seven, when a portrait painted by his father sparked a deep connection to art - a connection shaped further by the strength and love of his mother, a recurring presence in his work and life. Fhatuwani is also the co-founder of the renowned collective I See A Different You, which challenged stereotypical representations of Africa through storytelling, shifting the visual narrative from Soweto streets to global campaigns. HIS INFLUENCE STRETCHES BEYOND THE ART SCENE As a respected voice in the cultural and digital space, he has collaborated with international brands such as Diesel, Superdry, Scotch & Soda, and Courvoisier, while building a strong community through his authentic online presence. At his core, Mukheli is driven by a belief in beauty, connection, and healing - using creativity as a tool to inspire, reflect, and reimagine the world around him.
Social Media
Instagram: @fhatuwanimukheli
Steve Maphoso
Biography of the artist
Steve Maphoso (b. 1990, Viana, Angola) is a self-taught visual artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. After fleeing the Angolan civil war as a child, he was raised in Mpumalanga, where his creative practice began to take shape. His work—spanning charcoal, acrylic, collage, and mixed media—grapples with personal and collective themes such as memory, mental health, displacement, and the process of healing. Through layered compositions, symbolic use of materials like tea stains and military camouflage, and recurring motifs like clouds and the female form, Maphoso creates deeply emotive works that reflect on trauma, resilience, and reconstruction. He has exhibited in group shows at the Pretoria Art Museum, Gavin Art Project, and Turbine Art Fair, and held a solo exhibition titled Rebuilding Myself Series at Trent Gallery in 2020. In addition to his studio practice, Maphoso works as a part-time teaching artist at the South African State Theatre and is represented by Asisebenze Art Atelier and North Waveland. His work is held in private and public collections, including the MAD Leadership Foundation, and was recently featured in a Strauss & Co auction.
Social Media
Instagram: @stevemaphoso