Artist who defied apartheid to work in South Africa celebrates huge breakthrough

Artist who defied apartheid to work in South Africa celebrates huge breakthrough

Sabela Mahlangu’s work is being exhibited in Stratford as part of Black History Month (Picture: Dominic Whisson) When Sabela Mahlangu began as an artist, he needed a permit even to go to his studio. Now celebrated as a master craftsman, with an exhibition on show in London, the journey to recognition for his prints and etchings has not been easy. Born near Johannesburg in 1951 shortly after apartheid began, as a toddler he and his family were a…