Artist Database

Velaphi (George) Mzimba was born in Dube, Soweto in 1959. A largely self-taught artist, he realised his passion for drawing at an early age and was encouraged by his father. At 16, he joined the Mofolo Arts Centre, where he learned drawing, painting, and pastels under the guidance of Dan Rakgoathe. In the late 1970s, Mzimba was awarded a bursary to attend the Art Foundation to study under Bill Ainslie. His debut solo exhibition was held in 1981 at the Carlton Hotel Gallery, which was run by the South African Association of Arts. Mzimba is known for his large-scale works, often evocative portraits of his fellow people in which he attempted to restore the dignity and identity denied to them during apartheid. He also depicted Zama Zama miners (illegal miners), township life, and still lifes. Mzimba worked as a professional artist, exhibiting his work regularly until his sudden passing in 2021 due to complications from Covid-19.