Javett-UP mourns the passing of David April

The Javett-UP is deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of artist and arts educator David Thatanelo April on 10 May 2025. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at the University of Pretoria (UP), and the wider creative community.

We were fortunate to enjoy a meaningful working relationship with David in his role as an educator within the UP School of the Arts. Although his primary focus was performance art, he never confined himself to a single discipline. Instead, he consistently sought ways for various art forms to coexist, challenging and expanding the ways in which we engage and present art.

David believed deeply in the potential of young people. He was always searching for new spaces and approaches to share his knowledge and to push the creative boundaries of his students. This saw us collaborate with him in some of our programmes.

His loss will be felt far beyond the UP community. David April was a noble servant of the arts, and at Javett-UP, we will greatly miss his generous spirit of collaboration.

May his soul rest in peace.