Iziko Sacks Director Without Explanation

Ms Omar, however, did not respond to the set of questions sent to her asking whether an acting-director had been appointed and whether a new director had been selected to replace Naidoo. What is also not clear is whether the exhibitions planned by Naidoo for the next year would continue as scheduled. Ms Omar merely stated that: ‘Iziko will continue in future to provide the same exceptional quality art exhibitions that the public have always enjoyed.’ 

Naidoo, when contacted yesterday, stated that he was seeking legal advice on the matter. He went on to state in an email: ‘It has come as somewhat of a surprise to me that I’ve been requested by Iziko to vacate my position and it is unfortunate that Iziko did not see it fit to extend my contract. I do believe that the actions of Iziko are unfair in this regard and will be looking to contest this decision further.’

Although Naidoo was criticized early on concerning his stewardship of South Africa’s premier gallery, most notably in the SA Art Times and Art South Africa, many of these attacks have dissipated. One major outcry concerned his taking down of the Bailey Collection and its inclusion into the rest of the Gallery’s collection. However, some see this now as one of Naidoo’s greatest victories, allowing for more of the diverse collection to be seen.

It has been known for several years that Naidoo has been under considerable pressure regarding budgets. When asked by ArtThrob two years ago whether this was the case, Naidoo would not confirm that his budgets were being slashed. However, according to his email sent out to the media yesterday, Naidoo confirmed that his exhibitions’ budget was slashed by 77% from R 623 900  to R 143 170 over the five years of his directorship, while his acquisitions budget was reduced from R450 000 in 2010/2011 to zero rand in 2012/2013.