Nestled inconspicuously near the rail track that connects Mamelodi and Pretoria Central lies a treasure trove of artistic brilliance — Martin Lekotoko’s That’s It, Art Gallery in Mamelodi East’s BufferZone.
This space, part gallery and part cultural hub, pulses with the vibrancy of local art, music, and heritage, all nurtured by a man whose lifelong passion for art has become a beacon for his community.
At 64, Lekotoko’s journey in art spans decades, beginning at the tender age of seven when he first picked up a paintbrush. His early start laid the foundation for what would eventually become a flourishing career, marked by his transformation of part of his home into a gallery in 2010.
However, it is more than just walls adorned with over 680 original pieces; it’s a sanctuary where various art forms — poetry, music, drama, traditional dance, and theatre —converge, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Mamelodi.
Like Nelson Mandela, with whom he shares a birthday, Lekotoko’s commitment to education is evident in his part-time lecturer role at the University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology, where he imparts his knowledge to fourth-year students. His connection to the community is profound, offering art as a therapeutic tool to help students regain their self-worth and confidence after experiencing setbacks in their studies. "Art is alive, and we have to keep up with it," he asserted, echoing his belief that art evolves, and so must the artist.
In addition to his contributions to the local arts scene, Lekotoko is actively involved in preserving Mamelodi's history and heritage. His current projects include writing his biography and several textbooks on the history of the arts for high school students, a testament to his dedication to education and cultural preservation.
However, Lekotoko’s artistic journey is not confined to painting alone. His honours degree research delved into the exploitation of women in the male-dominated music industry. Reflecting on his findings, he speaks with a deep sense of responsibility and empathy for the women who, like his mother, bore the brunt of societal and economic hardships. "I looked at the music industry and how it exploits women. Most of the executives, producers, writers, and composers are men. But they use scantily clad young women to sell their products," Lekotoko critiqued, drawing attention to the glaring gender disparities that persist in the industry.
August is Women’s Month, and Lekotoko holds particular significance as he celebrates the resilience of women like his mother, who, despite having little, collaborated through Letsema — a traditional cooperative model — to build homes and uplift each other. Lekotoko’s approach to art and life mirrors this spirit of communal effort and empowerment.
Despite the gallery’s somewhat obscure location, Lekotoko embraces it, inviting art lovers to "discover this place".
With an entrance fee of R50 for adults and R30 for children, the gallery is open five days a week, with weekend visits available by appointment.
In a world where art is often confined to mainstream galleries and urban centres, Lekotoko’s gallery stands as a testament to the power of creativity and cultural preservation in the heart of Mamelodi East.
As Lekotoko says, “I am no longer painting art but making art,” a philosophy that echoes throughout his life’s work and resonates with anyone who steps into his remarkable gallery.