Muzikayise “Muzi” Ndlela born 1979 is a celebrated fine artist from Mpophomeni Township, Howick, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. His fascination with art began in primary school when a simple classroom exercise revealed his ability to capture the world on paper. From that moment, drawing became a constant in his life, often taking precedence over schoolwork as he sketched his classmates and surroundings.
After completing school, Muzi pursued art classes at the Tatham Art Gallery, where he trained under Mduduzi Xakaza. These sessions introduced him to fundamental drawing techniques and encouraged him to experiment with materials to express mood and emotion. The experience shaped his emerging style, which blends keen observation of rural landscapes with a deeply personal narrative, often highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of goats - a motif that has become a hallmark of his work.
A pivotal moment in his career came in 2016, when the Tatham Art Gallery hosted a solo exhibition of his work that sold exceptionally well. It was there that he connected with Louise Hall of the UKZN Art Department, who offered him a bursary to complete a post-graduate Diploma in Fine Art. Mduduzi Xakaza, his early mentor and now a collector of his work, notes that Muzi’s art captures rural memories, childhood experiences, and emotive landscapes while uniquely exploring the cultural and spiritual dimensions of goats.
Muzi’s drawings feature stormy skies, expansive fields and goats of every hue; from black and spotted to his favourite, deep brown. These works convey the authentic experiences of his community and reflect universal human struggles, while affirming his identity as a Zulu artist. Goats, in his work, serve as symbolic guides, connecting the artist to ancestral traditions and the broader spiritual world.
Committed to giving back to his community, Muzi established the Mpophomeni Art Centre with support from the Trinity Lutheran Church in the USA. Here, he mentored young artists, providing materials and guidance to fifteen regular learners. Despite challenges posed by funding and the COVID-19 pandemic, Muzi remained devoted to nurturing the next generation, encouraging them to see art not just as a hobby but as a viable path forward.
Living in the bustling heart of Mpophomeni, Muzi drew inspiration from the changing landscape around him, observing the tension between urban development and the natural world. His dream was to one day own a goat herd and a piece of land, he allowed his work to explore life’s questions, guided by the symbolic animals that shaped his artistic vision from childhood.
Sadly, Muzi passed away December 2025. His work has been featured and appreciated at The Gallery for many years, and we hope to share his legacy for years to come.
