On Thursday, 26 June 2025, South African fashion lost one of its fiercest trailblazers. Vanya Mangaliso, the visionary co‑founder and Creative Director of Sun Goddess, passed away peacefully at the age of 53, surrounded by loved ones.
Her husband, Thando, revealed that she had bravely fought cancer and was with family when she died .
Co‑founding Sun Goddess in 2001 alongside her husband, Vanya transformed the label into a powerhouse celebrating African luxury. Their humble beginnings—selling skirts from the trunk of a Beetle—gave way to international acclaim, with stores in Johannesburg and Sun City.
Under her direction, Sun Goddess garnered over 50 local and international awards, and featured in global exhibitions at fashion weeks across London, Washington, Singapore and Delhi.
