Javett-UP Pays Tribute to Former Interim CEO Dr Samuel Isaacs

The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) is deeply saddened by the passing of its former Interim Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Isaacs, who passed away on Thursday, 1 October 2026, after a long illness.

Dr Isaacs served as Interim CEO of Javett-UP from April 2020 to February 2021, having previously held the position of Director of Administration and Operations. His appointment came at a pivotal moment in the institution’s history. Barely a year after opening its doors in 2019, Javett-UP was forced to close for six months as South Africa entered a national lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leading a young institution through a period of unprecedented uncertainty, Dr Isaacs provided steady guidance during Javett-UP’s formative years. He played a critical role in establishing operational and governance structures that continue to support the Art Centre today. His leadership helped Javett-UP navigate the disruption of the pandemic and reopen to the public in September 2020.

Describing himself as “an adult educator at heart”, Dr Isaacs believed deeply in the transformative power of learning. This philosophy aligned closely with Javett-UP’s vision of creating meaningful encounters between art, education and society. He understood art centres and museums as places of discovery, dialogue and knowledge-sharing, where people from diverse backgrounds could engage with ideas, histories and creative expression.

His tenure coincided with landmark exhibitions that helped establish Javett-UP as a significant cultural destination, including National Treasures featuring Mapungubwe Gold Collection and the AngloGold Ashanti Barbier-Mueller Collection of West African Gold; All in a Day’s Eye: The Politics of Innocence in the Javett Collection; and 101 Collecting Conversations: Signature Works of a Century.

Dr Isaacs' contribution extended far beyond Javett-UP. He was the owner and director of Longstreet Art Lovers, Chairperson of the Pretoria Arts Association, and Chairperson of the Independent Quality Assurance Agency, among numerous other professional and community commitments. Through these roles, he championed the arts, education and institutional development, leaving a lasting impact across multiple sectors.

The Board, management and staff of Javett-UP extend their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who were touched by his life and work. Dr Isaacs will be remembered as a thoughtful leader, educator and advocate for access to culture and learning. His contribution to the early growth of Javett-UP will be remembered with gratitude and respect.