Published June 29, 2021
The Vice Chancellor of University of Pretoria (UP), The Board of Trustees of the Arts Centre Foundation Trust and staff of the Javett Art Centre at University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) wish to express their condolences on the passing of Professor Bhekizizwe Peterson on 15 June 2021.
Prof Peterson served on the Board of Trustees for Javett-UP, and acted as the chairperson for the Art Committee. He primarily served as the director of the Africa Cultural Centre, and as a professor for African Literature and Cultural Studies at the University of Witwatersrand, with a keen interest in Black Intellectual Tradition and African Cinema.
Professor Tawana Kupe, Vice Chancellor of UP said “Professor Bhekizizwe Peterson was a most humble person with such generosity of spirit that he epitomised what it is to be a beautiful ethical human being more concerned about the welfare everyone but himself. At the same time he was a giant intellectually who as a scholar occupied multiple academic disciplines and creative practices from the arts, drama and theatre, literature, filmmaking, film, television, culture and media studies and to Pan African thought and everything in between. He was accomplished in a form of transdisciplinary scholarship that affirmed positive humaness and humanity. He is an irreplaceable loss”.
“Professor Peterson's valuable guidance and support helped shape the vision and way forward for the Javett-UP when he was appointed chair of the Art Committee in 2020. His contribution will remain embedded in the growth of the Javett-UP’s artistic missions of the futures” said Mr Ed Southey, Chairperson of the Arts Centre Foundation Trust.
“The loss of Prof Peterson is a tremendous one for the arts cultures intellectualism and practice in Africa,” said Lekgetho Makola, CEO of Javett-UP. “His passion for nurturing was truly unmatched, and he was devoted to growing this passion in students and artists across the continent. His impact and intellect will be sorely missed in our Javett-UP artistic thought and programming.”
Gabi Ngcobo, Javett-UP Curatorial Director said “Professor Peterson had a huge impact in helping to guide the programmes and strategic future of the Javett-UP – he has left us with a vision to carry forward and a gap too huge to fill. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to be touched by his wisdom and to have dreamt of a brighter future for our continent.”
Prof Peterson is mourned by his devoted wife Patricia Johnson-Peterson , his children Neo and Khanyi, his extended family, as well as many close friends, students, artists in theatre and film, and many others in South Africa, across the continent of Africa, the diaspora and the world.
Javett-UP will hold a memorial function following Prof Peterson’s burial at a later date. Details to follow.