Maluleke's creativity is one which pays homage to his origins and personal experiences. This is evident in his choice of subject matter and medium. He paints images of sprawling rural landscapes onto traditional grass mats, which all speak of his origins. One might have expected Maluleke to have put behind him any reminders of his humble beginnings once he had reached the big city of Johannesburg, however, it is his rural upbringing, along with the sacrifice and support of his mother who raised him and his siblings, that is the ever-present focus of his work.