Vale Michael Javett
Philanthropist Michael Javett, one of South Africa’s longest-standing businessmen, a thoroughbred owner and a patron of the arts, has passed away, aged 86.
Javett studied law at Wits University and then practised as an attorney at Webber Wentzel. He moved to London to join the international law firm Allen & Overy and subsequently pursued a career as a merchant banker at Hill Samuel.
Michael passed away just a few days before the birth of the last art project in which he was directly involved, Mihloti ya Ntsako – Journeys with the Bongi Dhlomo Collection, a book currently being printed. It chronicles the coming into being of the Bongi Dhlomo Collection, a unique compendium of 138 artworks produced in the 20th century by both well-known and lesser-known black South African artists.
In partnership with Fane Tenderini, Michael was associated with one of the greatest horses ever to grace the South African turf -Politician, the R5 250 purchase who won 18 races (11 of which were G1’s) notably back-to-back runnings of the J&B Met and Queen’s Plate, as well as the 1978 Rothmans July Handicap. Politician retired to stud having been named South Africa’s Horse Of The Year on three occasions.
Michael was also involved with standing ill-fated champion Soft Falling Rain, and also raced champion Alboran Sea, in partnership with Mary Slack.