Simon Moroke Lekgetho (1929–1985) was a self-taught South African painter known for his portraits, still lifes, landscapes, and wildlife art. Born in Schoemansville near Hartebeespoort Dam, he received basic drawing lessons at an occupational school in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. After completing his training, Lekgetho moved to Pretoria, where he worked as a clerk for the Provincial Administration and obtained his matriculation certificate through correspondence. He furthered his art education by studying books on drawing and painting techniques and received guidance from artist Walter Battiss.
In 1952, Lekgetho began painting seriously and established an art studio at 1216 Fortuin Street, Lady Selborne, where he also taught art. His still lifes are particularly notable for their unique emphasis on healing, rebirth, and continuity, often featuring elements such as calabashes, gourds, herbs, grinding stones, incense, divination dice, beads, shells, knuckle bones, and stones. These compositions provide a distinctly African dimension to still-life painting.
Lekgetho's work has been featured in various exhibitions and auctions, with pieces like "Still Life with Calabash and Divining Items" and "Bushveld Landscape" being notable examples. His contributions to South African art continue to be recognized posthumously.
Source: South African History Online
