Chief Executive officer Lekgetho Makola leaves Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
Legketho Makola the first Chief Executive Officer of the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria, has left the institution three years after being at the helm of this institution.
The institution which was launched shortly before Covid-19 hit was hailed as an example of a perfect public-private partnership between the University of Pretoria and the Javett family.
On Tuesday, however the institution announced the parting of ways between Makola and it. However no further details were given other than that the CEO’s three year contract had ended. Makola is the former head of the Market Photo Workshop in Newtown, one of the business unit of the Market Theatre Foundation.
Also last year, Javett Art centre lost another senior executive playing a key and strategic role in the artistic vision of the institution, curatorial director Gabi Ngcobo.
Below is a statement released by board of the institution signed by Mr Isaac Shongwe, Chairperson of the Arts Centre Foundation:
“Today, we share important news regarding a change in leadership at the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP).
After a successful term as CEO of the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP), Mr. Lekgetho Makola’s contract has concluded. We extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Makola for his contributions and guidance throughout his tenure. Under his stewardship, the Javett-UP Art Centre navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience and achieved noteworthy milestones within our cultural sphere.
We sincerely thank him for his many contributions to the organisation over the years and his devoted service. We extend our best wishes for success in all his future endeavours.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the arts, change is both inevitable and, more importantly, an opportunity for growth and renewal. During this transition, we are pleased to announce that our current Senior Manager of Operations and Administration, Jackie Rens, will step in as Acting CEO.
Javett-UP, a collaborative partnership between the University of Pretoria and the Javett Foundation, stands as a beacon for the emancipatory potential of the transdisciplinary arts, navigating the intricate tapestry of Africa’s creative outputs, both past and present.
As we bid farewell to Mr. Makola, we warmly welcome the opportunities ahead and appreciate our stakeholders’ ongoing support and understanding during this transitional period.
The Javett-UP Art Centre remains dedicated to its mission of creating a thriving public art centre and can assure you that our collective commitment to the transformative power of the arts will continue to guide us forward as we embrace our next chapter in the cultural and educational sector. Thank you for your continued support.”